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V 



HISTORY of the 

Centennial and 

Memorial Association 

of Valley Forge 

From its origin in 1878, and reorgani- 
zation in 1886 particularly to the date of 
voluntary dissolution in 1910 

Preceded by Album and Biography of Directors 



a 



By H. J. STAGER 
June 19, 1911 






CONTENTS 

Page. 

Map. 

I Title. 

3 Dedication. 

5-6 Preface. 

7-10 List of Directors. 

11-13 Act of Incorporation. 

14-16 Brief of Title. 

17-80 Autobiographies and Portraits of Directors. 

81-86 Origin of Association, by Mary Bean Jones. 

87-96 "Headquarters," by Mrs. A. M. Holstein. 

97-104 Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge, Patriotic Order Sons of America. 

105- 19 1 Epitome of the Business Sessions of the Cen- 
; tennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
, ^i Forge, August 11, 1886, to April 12, 1910. 

191-196 Dissolution. 

197-200 Articles presented to Association. 

201-206 Washington Memorial Chapel. 

207-215 List of Contributors, Patriotic Order Sons of 
America. 

217-245 Appendix — Auditor's Final Report, Attor- 
neys' Exceptions, etc. 




M4 ^, 















r-/f^' 







OLD STATE HOUSE 
Philadelphia 

By transfer 
The White House 
March 3rd, 1913 



PREFACE 

This brief history of the Centennial and Memorial Association 
of Valley Forge, as hereinafter found, was compiled from the 
official records of several Secretaries, assisted by recollections of 
the writer. 

In review we find that since 1886 there are records of one 
hundred and seventeen meetings held by the Stockholders, annual 
and adjourned, including meetings by the Board of Directors, 
regular and special, and meetings of the Executive Committee. 

These meetings were mainly held in the old Headquarters at 
Valley Forge, some at Norristown, and others in Philadelphia, 
etc. ; all of which were well attended by the members of the 
Board of Directors, as the records will show. 

The record of attendance of Officers and Directors at the 
meetings is made up from the official roll call as entered in the 
journal at the meetings of either the Stockholders or Directors 
of same date, immediately preceding or following the first-named 
meeting. In instances where there was no such entry, then the 
writer made up a "present" roll from among names entered in 
the business notes of that date 

From the date of organization in 1886 to the date of appro- 
priation by the Park Commission, created by the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, all these meetings and special duties performed by the 
Officers and Directors were done at their own personal expense. 
Neither was there an allowance of salary or emoluments in any 
way to any one of the Board at any tijne. 

At various times during the life of this Association certain 
Stockholders who had taken active part in patriotic affairs were 
elected as Directors herein without their assent, believing they 
would take active part in this work, but, failing to do so, they were 
not re-elected at the succeeding annual meeting, and therefore 
their autobiographies and pictures do not appear herein, although 
their names figure in the records as Directors elected. 

In a few instances we were unable to secure biography or 
picture of officials. In the case of deceased members the biogra- 
phies were prepared by near friends. 

The purpose of this Book is to present in permanent form the 
patriotic services of the Association, and especially that rendered 
by the Board of Directors, as a family heirloom. 



The Patriotic Order Sons of America, in Pennsylvania espe- 
cially, having taken so prominent a part in the Valley Forge 
Headquarters work, financially and otherwise, explains why this 
Order is so frequently named in these pages. All the male Direc- 
tors were active members of this Order. 

Prior to 1886, from date of first organization in 1878, all 
minutes and official records of transactions by the Association are 
lost or mislaid. 

In conclusion, I beg to make acknowledgment of my many 
thanks to Mrs. Alice B. Stager (wife), Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, 
and Judge R. H. Koch, for very material assistance rendered anfl 
proof corrections accepted. 




Full List of Directors Since 1886 
and to Date of Dissolution, June 18, 1910 



Mrs, Anna Morris Holstein, Incor- Elected in 1886 and 
porator. Regent, 1887 to 1900, continued until de- 
Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. cease. Died De- 
cember 31, 1900. 

Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, Incorporator. Elected in 1886 and 

Vice Regent, 1887 to 1897, Norris- continued until 

town, Pennsylvania. decease. Died Janu- 
ary 11, 1897. 

*Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Incorporator. Elected in 1886 and 

Vice Regent, 1897 to 1900; Re- continued until 

gent, 1901 to date, Norristown, dissolution in 1910, 
Pennsylvania. 

♦Mr. Henry J. Stager, Vice Regent, Elected in 1886 and 

1887 to 1908; Vice Regent and continued to date. 
Secretary, 1908 to date, Glenside, 
Pennsylvania. 

Freeland G. Hobson, Esq,, Treasurer, Elected in 1886 and 

1887 to 1906, Collegeville, Penn- continued until 

sylvania. decease. Died Janu- 
ary 10, 1906. 

Mr. Richard T. S, Hallowell, Secre- Elected in 1886 and 
tary, 1889 to 1908; Secretary and continued until de- 
Treasurer, 1907 to 1908, Consho- cease. Died Aug. 
hocken, Pennsylvania. 14, 1908. 

Frank L. Murphy, Esq., Secretary, Elected in 1886 and 

1887 to 1889, Norristown. Penn- dropped in 1889. 
sylvania. 



8 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Mr. William H. Holstein, Incorpo- Elected in 1886 and 
rator, Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. continued until de- 

cease. Died Aug. 
9, 1894. 

♦Hon. Richard Henry Koch, Potts- Elected in 1886 and 
ville, Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

Col. Theodore W. Bean, Incorpora- Elected in 1886 and 
tor, Norristown, Pennsylvania. continued until de- 

cease. Died Jan. 20, 

1891. 

Mr. John Henry Hoffer, Lebanon, Elected in 1886 and 
Pennsylvania. dropped in 1897. 

Died Sept. 18, 1906. 

*Mr. Irwin Samuel Smith, Reading, Elected in 1886 and 
Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

♦Mr. Wesley H. Schwartz, Altoona, Elected in 1886 and 
Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

Dr. Henry A. Klock, Mahanoy City, Elected in 1886 and 
Pennsylvania. continued until de- 

cease. Died Feb. 1, 
1908. 

♦Mr. Samuel Morret Helms, Reading, Elected in 1886 and 
Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

Capt. James Kellerson Helms, Elected in 1886 and 
Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. continued until de- 

cease. Died July 23, 
1893. 

♦Mr. John Howard Dugan, Hazleton, Elected in 1886 and 
Pennsylvania. continued until 

1894. Re-elected in 
1906 and continued 
to date. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 9 

♦Mr. Hudson Rutherford Fleming, Elected in 1886 and 
Williamsport, Pennsylvania. continued to date, 

Mr. Richard Peterson, Philadelphia, Elected in 1889 and 
Pennsylvania, continued until de- 

cease. Died Dec. 
12, 1893. 

*Mr. William Weand, Philadelphia, Elected in 1891 and 
Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

Hon. Samuel A, Losch, Schuylkill Elected in 1893 and 
Haven, Pennsylvania. continued until de- 

cease. Died Sept. 
11, 1900. 

*James High Wolfe, Esq., Philadel- Elected in 1894 and 
phia, Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

*Frederick Bertolette, Esq., Mauch Elected in 1894 and 
Chunk, Pennsylvania. continued to date, 

Clarence F. Huth, Esq., Shamokin, Elected in 1895 and 
Pennsylvania. dropped in 1896. 

Mr. Franklin Pierce Spiese, Treasurer, Elected in 1895 and 
1906 to 1907, Tamaqua, Pennsyl- continued until de- 
vania. cease. Died Aug. 

31, 1907. 

*Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Consho- Elected in 1895 and 
hocken, Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

Mr. William G. Rhule, Pittsburg, Elected in 1895 and 
Pennsylvania, dropped in 1896. 

Died April 25, 
1905. 

Miss Charlotte Pendleton, Philadel- Elected in 1896 and 
phia, Pennsylvania, dropped in 1897. 



10 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

*Mr. Abraham D Fetterolf, College- Elected in 1896 and 
ville, Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

♦Dr. Peter Nathaniel Klinger Elected in 1897 and 
Schwenk, Philadelphia, Pennsyl- continued to date, 
vania. 

Hon. Frederick E. Stees, Philadel- Elected in 1897 and 
phia, Pennsylvania. continued until de- 

cease. Died April 
19, 1905. 

Mrs. Amanda R. Matthews, Valley Elected in 1897 and 
Forge, Pennsylvania. dropped in 1900. 

Mrs. Isaac W. Smith, Norristown, Elected in 1900 and 
Pennsylvania. withdrew in 1904. 

Mrs. Mary K. Preston, Norristown, Elected in 1901 and 
Pennsylvania. continued until de- 

cease. Died Feb. 2, 
1908. 

*John Milton StaufFer, Treasurer Elected in 1901 and 
1908 to 1910, Hazleton, Pennsyl- continued to date, 
vania. 

Mrs. Philander C. Knox, Valley Elected in 1904 and 
Forge, Pennsylvania. dropped in 1906. 

♦Abraham Steinmetz Brendle, Esq., Elected in 1905 and 
Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

♦Miss Mary Mclnnes, Norristown, Elected in 1906 and 
Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

♦Mr. John Harry Hughes, Torresdale, Elected in 1906 and 
Pennsylvania. continued to date. 

39 total ; i8 present members, 15 deceased, others dropped, etc. 



•Present members, 1910. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE ii 

ACT OF INCORPORATION 

OF 

THE CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION 

OF 

VALLEY FORGE 

The subscribers, citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania, have agreed to associate themselves for the purposes set 
forth in the following Articles under the name and title of "The 
Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge." 

The purpose of this Association shall be to purchase, improve 
and preserve the lands and improvements thereon, occupied by 
General George Washington, at Valley Forge, and maintain them 
as a memorial park for all time to come. 

To have succession by the name and title of "The Centen- 
nial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge," subject to the 
power of the General Assembly under the Constitution of the 
Commonwealth. 

To have power to maintain and defend judicial proceedings. 

To make and use a common seal and alter the same at 
pleasure. 

To hold, purchase and transfer such real estate and personal 
property as the purposes of the corporation require not exceed- 
ing the amount limited by this charter or the laws of the Com- 
monwealth. 

To appoint and renew such subordinate officers and agents 
as the business of the corporation requires, and to allow them a 
suitable compensation. 

To make By-Laws not inconsistent with law, for the man- 
agement of its property, the regulation of its afifairs, and the 
transfer of its stock. 

To enter into any obligations necessary to the transaction of 
its ordinary busmess. 

The capital stock of this Association shall not exceed five 
hundred thousand dollars, and the par value thereof shall not be 
less than one dollar per share; provided, always, that the clear 
net yearly value, or increase of the real and personal property, 
shall not exceed the sum of twenty thousand dollars. 

This Association shall transact its business in Montgomery 
county, Pennsylvania, and the charter shall be perpetual. 



12 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

A^atnes: Residence: 

William H. Holstein Upper Merion 

John W. Eckman Upper Merion 

Theodore W. Bean Norristown, Pa. 

Anna M. Holstein Upper Merion 

Rebecca Mclnnes Bridgeport, Pa. 

Helen C. Hooven Norristown, Pa. 

J. P. Hale Jenkins Norristown, Pa. 

Montgomery County, ss.: 

Personally appeared before me, Recorder of Deeds, in and 
for said county, William H. Holstein, Theodore W. Bean and J. 
P. Hale Jenkins above named, who, in due form of law, acknowl- 
edged the above and afore written instrument for the purposes 
as within stated. 

Witness my hand and seal of office this eighth day of June, 
A. D. 1878. John W. Schall, 

(seal) Recorder. 

And now to wit: July 5th, 1878. The foregoing application 
having been presented to the Honorable Henry P. Ross, a law 
judge and President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of 
Montgomery county (the county in which the business of the 
corporation is to be transacted), accompanied by proof of publi- 
cation of the notice of said application, and the said Judge having 
perused and examined the foregoing instrument, and found the 
same to be in the proper form and within the purposes named in 
the first class specified in the second section of an Act entitled : 
"An Act to provide for the incorporation and regulation of cer- 
tain Corporations," approved the 29th day of April, A. D. 1874, 
and appearing lawful and not injurious to the community, do 
order and decree that the said charter is approved, and that upon 
the recording of the said charter and said order and decree, the 
subscribers to said charter shall be a corporation for the purposes 
and upon the terms therein stated, and from thenceforth the per- 
sons named therein and subscribing the same, and their associates 
and successors, shall be a corporation by the name of "The Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge," as provided 
by law. 

By the Court, Henry P. Ross, 

(seal) President Judges 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE, 13 

Certified from the Records of said Court at Norristown, 
July 5th, 1878. Philip Quillman, 

(seal) Prothonotary. 



Montgomery County, ss.: 

Recorded in the office for Recording Deeds, etc., in and for 
said county, in Miscellaneous Book No. 19, pp. 179, etc. 

Witness my hand and seal of office, July 6th, 1878. 

(seal) James Dikes, D. R. 




14 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

BRIEF OF TITLE— 1681 TO 1879 

mHE following is an extract from an elaborate brief 
of title to the Washington Headquarters prop- 
erty, as made by the Solicitor, Col. Theo. W. 
Bean. 

The Charter of Charles the Second of England, Scotland, 
France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c., unto Wil- 
liam Penn, Proprietory and Governor of the Province of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Witness ourself at Westminster the fourth day of March in the 
three and thirtieth year of our reign, A. D. i68i. 

Patent from William Penn unto his daughter Letitia Penn for 
7800 acres, paying one beaver skin. Recorded in patent book A, 
Vol. 2, p. 405. 24, October, 1701. 

Said Letitia intermarried William Aubrey of London, merchant. 
Deed, William Aubrey and Letitia his wife unto Sir Archibald 
Grant for such parts of the above Tract as remain unsold. Re- 
corded in Book G, Vol. 2, p. 400. 10, July, 1730. 

Deed. Sir Archibald Grant, to William Wilkinson, for the 
above lands in fee. 

Recorded in Book G, Vol. 2, p. 405. 10, December, 1735. 

Indenture, in partition, between William Wilkinson of Middlesex 
of the first part, John Thomson of London of the second part, and 
William Penn, son of the aforesaid William Penn, of the third 
part, whereby the said William Wilkinson granted the above 
premises unto William Penn the son in fee. Recorded in Book 
G, Vol. 2, p. 412. 22, June, 1736. 

Letter of Attorney. The said William Penn authorizes and 
empowers James Logan and William Logan his lawful attorney, 
jointly and severally, to sell and dispose of the said land or any 
part thereof unto any person or persons whatsoever, &c. Recorded 
in Book D, Vol. 2, p. 270. 15, February, 1740-41. 

Deed. James Logan and William Logan unto Stephen Evans 
and Daniel Walker for 175 acres of the above lands being part of 
the above large tract called Mount Joy. Recorded in Book G, 
Vol. 3, p. 97. 3, February, 1741-42. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 15 

Deed. Stephen Evans and Daniel Walker unto Isaac Walker 
for the above 175 acres in fee of which the within granted 
premises is part of. 13, December, 1742. 

Deed. Isaac Walker unto Stephen Evans, Daniel Walker and 
Joseph Williams, one undivided one-third part each in fee. Re- 
corded at Phila., in Book G, Vol. 5, p. 133. 18, December, 1742. 

Deed. Daniel Walker, et ux. to Abraham Williams for the 
said Daniel Walker's third part of the said 175 acres in fee. 10, 
February, 1755. 

Deed Poll. James Coulter, Esq., Sheriff of Phil'a County, con- 
veys one undivided third part of 175 acres as the estate of Joseph 
Williams unto John Potts, in fee. 11, March, 1757. 

Deed. Mary Stephens and Abijah Stephens, executors of 
Stephen Evans, convey the said Stephen Evans' one-third part of 
the 175 acres unto the said John Potts in fee. Recorded in Book 
I, Vol. 6, p. 197. 12, March, 1757. 

Deed Poll. James Coulter, Esq., Sheriff of Phila'a County, 
conveys one undivided one-third part of said 175 acres as the 
estate of Abraham Williams unto the said John Potts in fee. 
20, February, 1758. 

Deed. John Potts the elder and wife unto John Potts the 
younger, for the above lands with other lands in fee, 350 acres. 
Recorded in Book I, Vol. 6, p. 228. 24, March, 1768. 

Deed. John Potts the younger and wife unto John Potts, the 
elder, for part of the above Tract and Grist and Saw Mill in fee. 
Recorded in Book I, Vol. 6, p. 230. 25, March, 1768. 

Deed. Indorsed John Potts the elder ct ux., unto Joseph Potts 
for the Grist Mill, Saw Mill, land and premises granted him by 
the said John Potts the younger to hold him the said Joseph Potts 
in fee. Recorded in Book I, Vol. 6, p. 231. 20, May, 1768. 

Deed. Joseph Potts to Isaac Potts for two Tracts of land. 
Grist Mill and Saw Mill, not recorded. 30, September, 1773. 

Deed. Isaac Potts and wife to Norris Jones for three-eighths 
of 105 acres. Recorded in Deed Book, No. 65, p. 59. 31, Decem- 
ber, 1784. 

Deed. Isaac Potts and wife to Benj. Rowland for one-eighth 
of 105 acres. Recorded in Deed Book No. 65, p. 68. 31, Decem- 
ber, 1784. 



i6 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Deed. Benj. Rowland and wife to Norris Jones for one-eighth 
of 105 acres. Recorded in Deed Book No. 65, p. 78. i, Septem- 
ber, 1787. 

Deed. Isaac Potts and wife to Jacob Paul for one undivided 
moiety or equal one-half part of 105 acres. Recorded in Deed 
Book No. 9, p. 243. 16, December, 1793. 

Deed. Joseph L. Thomas, et al., executors of Norris Jones, to 
Jacob Paul, for one undivided moiety or equal one-half part of 
105 acres. Recorded in Deed Book No. 9, p. 245. i, April, 1795. 

Will. James Jones to his daughters, Ann and Hannah nee 
Ogden, 2 acres and 4 perches with appurtenances, proven and 
entered of record in the Register of Wilis Ofifice, Norristown, 
July 30, 1849. 27, February, 1848. 

Deed. Ann Jones to Hannah Ogden, for one undivided moiety 
of a house and lot of ground containing 2 acres and 31 perches, 
more or less, at Valley Forge, The Washington Headquarters — 
not recorded. 23, September, 1850. 

Deed. May 1, 1879. Hannah Ogden to William H. Holstein. 

May I, 1879. Deed of trust. William H, Holstein to the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge. 

Deed. November 9, 1886. Wm. H. Holstein and wife to the 
Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge. 



The property purchases from time to time included 

1st. Washington Headquarters; original pur- 
chase, Holstein to Association, Nov. 
9th, 1886; 2 acres and 2283-100 
perches $6000.00 

2d. Jones lot, containing Washington spring, 

April 19th, 1890; I 498-1000 acres 1200.00 

3d. Crawford property, containing stone barn ; 

January 6th, 1894; 1 249-1000 acres.. 3000.00 

In 1888 expended for improvement and renewal 
of Headquarters, new Lodge, etc., 
about 5000.00 



i8 



A 



NNA MORRIS HOLSTEIN was born in Muncy, Lycom- 
ing county, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1824, and died at 
her home, near Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, December 
31, 1900, in her seventy-sixth year. She was married 
to Major William Hayman Holstein in 1848, and lived all her 
married life in the home her husband had in readiness at their 
marriage. She outlived her husband only a few years. 

Mrs. Holstein was the daughter of Rebecca Morris and 
William Cox Ellis, and came of distinguished ancestry. She was 
a direct descendant of Captain Samuel Morris, of the First City 
Troop of Philadelphia, with Washington at the battles of Prince- 
ton and Trenton, and Washington's Body Guard during the war ; 
also a descendant of Thomas Ellis, Registrar General of the 
Province of Pennsylvania, and friend of William Penn. 

When the effort was made to collect funds throughout the 
Union to purchase Washington's Mount Vernon home, Mrs. 
Holstein was appointed Lady Manager for Montgomery county. 

In 1862, Mrs. Holstein offered her services to the Govern- 
ment as an army nurse, and with Mr. Holstein began work in 
the field hospitals of the Army of the Potomac, at Falmouth, and 
Potomac Creek. After the battle of Gettysburg Mrs. Holstein 
had charge of Camp Letterman, with three thousand seriously 
wounded men. She remained with the army until the close of the 
war, following the army in army wagons, and sleeping under 
tents, endurirg hardships and distress to alleviate the sufferings 
of the wounded and dying. 

With prophetic foresight, Mrs. Holstein labored to arouse 
public sentiment to a true appreciation of the historic value of 
the hills of Valley Forge on which Washington's army lay 
encamped 177?-?^, and largely to her efforts is due the credit of 
rescuing and restoring Washington's Headquarters at Valley 
Forge. She was made Regent of the Valley Forge Centennial 
and Memorial Association, at its organization, which office she 
held until her death. With untiring zeal she labored that this 
Association might purchase the Headquarters of Washington at 
Valley Forge as a memorial for all time to come. In common 
with other members of this Association she felt a deep sense of 
gratitude to the Camps of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
who removed the final indebtedness upon the property, and made 
Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge a lasting memorial 




4 




p4iAAnxDcM^rn^m&J^^ 



20 

As Regent of the Association, she presided with much grace and 
dignity at many public receptions and gatherings at the Head- 
quarters, her pen and voice were ever active in enlisting the 
interest of the nation in Valley Forge, and she kept open house 
to many distinguished guests in her hospitable home. 

Mrs. Holstein organized and was the first Regent of the 
Valley Forge Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of 
Korristown, Pa. She was Matron of the Pennsylvania Building 
at* the World's Fair, Chicago, 1893. Also an active member of 
-the Historical Society of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, 
speaking and writing upon topics of local historical interest ; 
author of "Three Years in Field Hospitals," giving her three 
years' experience in that noble work. Also compiled and pub- 
lished the Holstein family history a few years before her death. 

She also compiled sketches of her Hfe in camp, written every 
night to her mother, on a barrel head with a candle for light, but 
her death occurred before these sketches were printed. She was 
a contributor to newspapers and magazines from time to time, 
many articles on patriotic subjects appearing in the "Camp News" 
while it was edited by H. J. Stager. 

Mrs. Holstein was an earnest Christian woman, and her 
whole life was a life of service. She was a woman of strong 
patriotic impulses, and gifted with intelligence, and of a gener- 
ous, refined and tender nature. Her absorbing life interests were 
patriotic, and found their fullest expression in the great service 
she rendered her country in her love for Valley Forge, and devo- 
tion in preserving its history. M. B. J. 




EBECCA McINNES, widow of Hugh Mclnnes, Esq., 
was born in Philadelphia, but has resided for more than 
forty years in Bridgeport and in Norristown. From the 
first she was greatly interested in the Centennial Cele- 
bration of the Evacuation of Valley Forge, and in the acquiring 
of the Headquarters house as a memorial. In 1887 she was elected 
a Director of the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge, and in 1897, upon the death of Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, 
was elected Vice Regent, and upon the death of Mrs. Anna M. 
Holstein in 1900 was elected Regent, and so officiated up to 
the date of the dissolution of the Association. 



H 



ELEN CUSHMAN HOOVEN was the daughter of 
James and Mary Cushman, and was born in Norwich, 
Conn., in 1819. She was a Hnea! descendant of Robert 
Cushman, who came to this country in the "Mayflower." 
Her parents moved to New Jersey when she was a young 
child, and there her earhest years were spent. Her father 
died about 1829, in Philadelphia, and some years later 
his family moved to Norristown, Pennsylvania, which for 
more than fifty years was Mrs. Hooven's home. Her 
marriage to James Hooven, the well-known iron manufacturer, 
took place in 1874. Always deeply interested in the welfare of 
her fellow-creatures, her life was devoted to good works. She 
was instrumental in organizing an Emergency Relief Associa- 
tion at a time when suffering was great among the poor. She 
was a staunch Abolitionist, and during the Civil War was active 
in collecting food and supplies for the sick and wounded 
soldiers. As one of the Vice Regents of the Valley Forge Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association she gave her hearty support 
to the work of that Society as long as she was able, and her 
interest in it never faltered. She was deeply religious and a 
member of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church. Even when 
illness and failing eyesight impaired her strength, she kept up 
her interest in those who needed her help, and sent others to 
do the work for which she was no longer able. 

After an illness of three weeks she died in Norristown on 
January 11, 1897. A. W. G. 




^OvL-^ 



CT^lrOvw 



24 



T 



HEODORE WEBER BEAN was born in Norriton town- 
ship, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1833. 
He was educated in the common schools of his town- 
ship. At the age of seventeen he apprenticed himself 
to a blacksmith, and followed that occupation until 1862, pursu- 
ing at the same time a methodical course of self-culture, having 
in view the practice of law. 

September 17, 1862, he was mustered into the service of 
the United States as a private of Company L, 17th Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry, and served throughout the war. He became 
Captaiii of his Company, May 30, 1863, and was brevetted Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, March 13, 1865. 

Upon his return to civil life, he resumed business and 
study. He was admitted to the Bar of Montgomery county, 
February 24, 1869, and continued in active practice until his 
death, January 20, 1891. In 1887 he was appointed by Governor 
Beaver a member of the State Commission on Industrial Edu- 
cation. In 1889 he was elected to the State Legislature, and 
made Chairman of the Committee on Education. He took an 
active part in the debates, and was a leading member of that 
body. He was the author of "Roll of Honor of the 17th 
Pennsylvania Cavalry," "Footprints of the Revolution; or, 
Washington at Valley Forge," "Annals of the War," "Buford 
at Gettysburg," "Custer's Charge at Yellow Tavern," "The 
Fall of General Zook," "General Pleasanton at Chancellors- 
ville," "Sheridan in the Shenandoah" and "History of Mont- 
gomery County, Pennsylvania." 

He was instrumental in organizing the Historical Society 
of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1881. He was the 
first President, and held the office until 1889, when he declined 
re-election. 

He delivered orations at Gettysburg upon the dedication 
of the Monument to General Zook, and the Memorial of the 
17th Pennsylvania Cavalry. His services as orator were repeat- 
edly sought by his comrades in arms. 

Indomitable energy, courage and devotion to duty were 
marked characteristics of Colonel Bean. He possessed a pleas- 
ing address, dignity and gentleness of manner, and was ever 
willing to add to the happiness of others, regardless of self. 



26 

Patriotism and public spirit were manifest throughout his life. 
To Colonel Bean is due the inception of the plan to secure to 
the nation Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge. With 
other noble spirits, he labored long and earnestly to that end, 
and that Valley Forge might be preserved as sacred ground, 
worthy to be visited and remembered for all time to come. 
In response to his appeal, Camp 114, Pennsylvania, at Norris- 
town, of which he was a member, gave co-operation to the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association. He was a Director of the 
Board from the date of its organization until his death. 

Colonel Bean was most active in arranging for the Centennial 
anniversary, in 1878, of the evacuation by Washington and 
his army from Valley Forge, and was the Historian upon that 
occasion. From boyhood Colonel Bean studied and revered the 
history of Valley Forge. The fortitude of the Continental 
Army during the winter spent on those hills, the patient courage 
and wisdom of their Commander-in-Chief, were his admiration, 
and he deemed it a high privilege to give of his time and 
ability that succeeding generations might have preserved foi 
them, in enduring memorials, the history of Valley Forge. L. L- 



W~l ILLLIAM HAYMAN HOLSTEIN, born February 17, 
1816, in Upper Merion, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- 
vania. September 26, 1848, he married Anna Morris 
^J Ellis, of Muncy, Pennsylvania, and settled upon the 
farm in Upper Merion which was part of the thousand- 
acre tract purchased by Matthias Holstein, the second, in 1709. 
In response to the call made by Governor Curtin for 
troops, in September, 1862, William H. Holstein enlisted in the 
[7th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia. Upon his return he engaged 
with his wife in the Field Hospitals of the Army of the Potomac, 
continuing his helpful and merciful services to the close of the 
war. Major Holstein was influential in his community, and a" 
vestryman in Christ's Swedes Church, Upper Merion. He 
shared with Mrs. Holstein a deep interest in Valley Forge and 
co-operated helpfully in the efforts of the Centennial and 
Memorial Association, and was a Director from the date of 
organization. He was received into Camp 121, Pennsylvania, 
at Conshohocken, in 1887. 

Major Holstein died August 9, 1894, and with Mrs. Holstein 
lies buried in Christ's Swedes Church Burial Ground, Bridge- 
port, Pennsylvania. M. B. J. 










'^M^.H^^^EZc^ 



28 



H 



ENRY JOHN STAGER (whose ancestors located near 
Valley Forge in 1/37, as shown in Penn grant of land, 
now in his possession) was born at Schuylkill Haven, 
Pennsj'lvania, August i^j, 1842. Was educated in 
the common schools. Joined Camp 47, Pennsjdvania, Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, March 18, 1858. Attended 
the Sixth Pennsylvania State Convention as a delegate 
at Potts ville in i860, and all State and National Conventions 
of the Order from 1866 to the year 1908, inclusive. In i860 
he began life in the printing trade. In 1866 he was prin- 
cipal in the founding of the "Camp News," with which he con- 
tinued until 1904, thirty-eight years, and for over twenty-seven 
years was alone in the publication. In the Civil War he served 
a full enlistment with the 124th Pennsylvania Volunteers, July 22, 
1862, to May 10, 1863, participating in several hard marches and 
skirmishes, as well as in several of the heaviest battles of the 
war. Thereafter he also served in the 39th Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Militia as orderly sergeant. In the fall of 1864 he was 
appointed second lieutenant by the War Department, and 
assigned to the 29th U. S. C. T., but did not re-enter service. 
Since 1896 he has served as Treasurer of the Second Dutch 
Reformed Church, Philadelphia, and for over forty years has offici- 
ated as Treasurer of Camp 7, Pennsylvania. 

Kt the reorganization of the Patriotic Order Sons of America 
in 1866 he was elected State Secretary, and so continued until 
resigning in 1884 — seventeen and one-half years. He was a 
member of the Board of Trustees, Pennsylvania State Camp, 
for thirty-two years. Was also first National President elected 
at the organization of National Camp, and thereafter National 
Secretary, 1872 until 1885, when he also resigned. He is also 
an ex-Commander General of the Commandery. During this 
official career he was principal in the organization of the Mor- 
tuary Benefit Fund, assisted by National President J. S. Reeder 
and N. M. of F., R. T. S. Hallowell ; also principal in the work 
of securing a State Camp building in Philadelphia. During his 
term as Pennsylvania State President in 1885-6 the Order be- 
came identified with the Valley Forge Washington Headquarters 
care, in which he took very active part and was Chairman of the 
PennsA'lvania Trustee Committee and Vice Regent and Director, 
etc., since 1886 till dissolution. 





kf^ 



30 




ICHARD HENRY KOCH, born April 2, 1852, at Mid- 
dleport, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. When five 
years old the family moved to a farm at Auburn, Penn- 
sylvania, and when fourteen years old, to a flouring mill 
at Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. Went to Common Schools until 
nearly sixteen years of age, and then to the Keystone State 
Normal School, at Kutztown, Pennsylvania, where he was 
graduated at the age of nineteen. Taught in Common Schools 
for two years, and thereafter mathematics and civil government 
in his alma mater. Read law with Francis W. Hughes, an emi- 
nent attornej?, of national reputation, at Pottsville, Pennsyl- 
vania, and was admitted to the bar May 2, 1881. Was District 
Attorney of Schuylkill county 1890, 1891 and 1892, and served 
as Judge in the county of Schuylkill, by appointment of 
Governor Hastings, from September, 1897, to January, 1899, 
practicing law at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, since January, 1899. 
He joined the Patriotic Order Sons of America in Camp 100, 
New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, in 187 1, but withdrew his card 
to help to reorganize Camp 14, Pennsylvania, Pottsville, 
and has taken an active part in many of the National and 
State Camps. For a number of years he has officiated as a 
member of the Board of Trustees, State Camp of Pennsylvania. 
He became a Valley Forge Trustee at the authorization of that 
Committee in 1887, and thereafter a Director of the Centennial- 
and Memorial Association of Valley Forge from the date of its 
reorganization in 1886. 



32 



r— ^REELAND GOTWALS HOBSON was a descendant 
of Francis Hobson, who came fropi England in 1712, 
accompanied by his wife, Martina Wainhouse, and 

■I ^ settled in Chester county, Pennsylvania. They were 
members of the Society of Friends. Freeland G. Hobson 

(only son of Frank M. and Lizzie Gotwals Hobson) was born 
October 13, 1857, in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. He began his 
education in the public schools of Upper Providence, graduating 
in 1876 from Ursinus College, He entered the office of his 
uncle,- J. G. Gotwals, then District Attorney, as a student at 
law, and was admitted to the bar October i, 1880. He opened 
an office in Norristown, and soon acquired a lucrative practice. 
He was engaged in numerous financial and commercial compa- 
nies, which occupied much of his time. In 1888 he organized the 
Norristown Trust Company, of which he was made secretary, 
treasurer and trust officer, positions which he held to the time 
of his death. He was president, secretary, treasurer or director in 
several other business associations. He was a member of 
Trinity Dutch Reformed Church, of Collegeville, in which 
he was an elder for ten years. Active in Church work, he was 
a delegate to Classis and Synods of the said Church, and in all 
these bodies took an earnest part. At the General Synod in 
1902 he was elected vice president and presided at many of the 
sessions. He also served as secretary and treasurer of the 
Montgomery County Sunday School Association, and as presi- 
dent of the Schuylkill Valley Union of Christian Endeavor, and 
appeared upon the programmes of two International Sessions, 
held at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1894, and at Boston, Mass., in 1895. 
For six years he served as president and director in the Col- 
legeville School Board, but his principal efforts in educational 
lines were to advance the interests of Ursinus College from the 
days of his graduation in 1876, and when his father resigned the 
twofold position of secretary and treasurer, in 1904, he suc- 
ceeded him in these offices. He was founder and editor of the 
Montgomery county "Law Reporter," a weekly legal periodical 
which reports all the decisions of the Montgomery County 
Courts. He was the author of "Providence Township His- 
tory" and a contributor to "Bean's History of Montgomery 
County." In 1884, when the Centennial of Montgomery county 




^%A^,^4^-^ 



34 

was celebrated, he acted as chairman of the Executive Commit- 
tee of the Montgomery County Historical Society, of which 
he was a charter member. He was a prominent leader in the 
Patriotic Order Sons of America, holding membership in 
Camp 267, Pennsylvania, at Ironbridge. In August, 1893, he was 
elected as Pennsylvania State President. He was one of the 
Trustee Committee and prominent in the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge, serving as Treasurer 
thereof from date of reorganization in 1886 until his death, 
January 10, 1906. September 15, 1880, he was married to Miss 
Ella M. Hendricks, daughter of the Rev. Joseph H. Hendricks, 
D. D., and Kate Hendricks. Three children were born to this 
union, Frank, Anna M. and Catherine. H. J. S. 



S 



AMUEL MORRET HELMS was born at Myerstown, 
Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1854; he 
attended the public schools and the Palatinate College at 
that place until 1868, when he removed to Pine Grove, 
Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. 

After clerking in a general store for a brief time, he 
entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway as 
a clerk. In a few years he was promoted to the position of 
weigh-master and coal clerk, which position he held until 1887, 
when he resigned to enter the life and accident insurance busi- 
ness, in which he is still engaged at Reading, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Helms joined Camp 49, Pennsylvania, Patriotic Order 
Sons of America, January 25, 1871. He was always active 
in his Camp while residing at Pine Grove, having held prac- 
tically all the ofifices in the gift of the Camp. He was elected 
State Marshal at Pottstown, and State Master of Forms at 
Easton, over four competitors. He was elected State Presi- 
dent at Altoona in 1886. His record as State President in the 
organization of new Camps exceeded all previous records. In 
1897 he was elected the first Secretary of the Veteran Associa- 
tion, later on Vice President of the same, and then President 
of the Association. 

Mr. Helms was one of the original Trustees of the Valley 
Forge Association, being appointed in 1886, as well as Director 
since that date. 





(??i-9^ 





36 



ICHARD THOMAS STEWART HALLOWELL was 
born September 5, 1849, at Swedesburg, Montgomery 
county, Pennsylvania. In early life he became a mem- 
ber of Christ (Swedes) Church, located near by, 
serving as Vestryman and also as Treasurer until his 
death, August 14, 1908. He was Superintendent of Swede- 
land Union Sunday School and Librarian at Swedes for 
many years. He was a contractor and builder, and erected 
many houses in Conshohocken, Norristown, Lower Marion and 
along the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was 
National Master of Forms and Ceremonies, i879-'8i. He was 
one of the original State Camp Trustee Committee to act 
with the Valley Forge Association to preserve Washington's 
Headquarters at Valley Forge; was later made a Director of 
Valley Forge Centennial and Memorial Association; was the 
efficient Secretary and, after the death of F. P. Spiese, was 
also elected as Treasurer. He was a member of Camp 121, 
Pennsylvania, Conshohocken, Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
and served as State President, instituting one hundred and 
twelve Camps while he held the office, and laid the ground- 
work which enabled his successor to institute one hundred and 
six Camps the following year. He was the first to suggest 
that the Camps in every locality place flags in the Public 
Schools, which suggestion was approved by the Pennsylvania 
State Camp. He was a firm advocate of free PubHc Schools 
and was Director on the local School Board, to which duty 
he gave the same earnest service he gave to every other posi- 
tion he ever occupied. 

At the close of his life, realizing that his departure was at 
hand, he bowed in humble resignation to the will of his 
Master, and his last act before death, while suffering intensely 
with a malignant throat affection, was to write with his own hand 
his trust in God in the following sentence : "Though He slay me, 
yet will I trust in Him." He died as he lived, one of God's 
noblemen. J. H. 



^ -^ M 




■ ""^^P'.-: ,j^^^^^ 



TfXs.:^^ 



a^C^^i'^^ljC^ 



38 



I 



RWIN SAMUEL SMITH was born in the city of Read- 
ing on June 2, 1854, and has resided there ever since, 
except a short time in his infancy while his parents 
resided in Chicago. He was educated in the public schools, 
and also took a regular course in a business college, after 
which he served an apprenticeship with his father in the paint- 
ing and paperhanging business, and later on he connected him- 
self with his father, and for a number of years has managed 
the various interests thereof under the firm name of John 
Smith & Son, up to the 15th of February, 1903, when his 
father died. Since that time he has conducted the business in 
his own name. He first became identified with the Order in 
1870, becoming a member of Camp 89, Reading, at the age 
of sixteen years, and all of which time he has been one of its 
most active members. The present numerical strength of his 
Camp and its financial valuation of over $48,000 are in a great 
measure due to his energy and sterling business tact. He has 
served in office in his Camp since he first became a member of 
it, and for many years has been its Recording Secretary and 
the moving spirit of the Board of Trustees of the Camp, which 
office he has held for almost thirty-six years. He has served 
in an ofificial capacity in the State Camp since 1873. At the 
convention held at Williamsport that year he was elected State 
Conductor. The following year he was appointed District 
President for the entire county of Berks, and during his terms 
was instrumental in having a number of Camps instituted in his 
county, which to-day rank among the best Camps in the Order. 
In 1877 he was commissioned State Commander of the Blue 
Degree or uniformed rank of the Order, in this State, for two 
years. At the State Camp session, held at Lebanon in 1879, he 
was elevated to the office of State President. He was elected 
to his present position as State Treasurer at the annual conven- 
tion, held at Hazleton in 1883, a continuous service of over 
twenty-seven years, and the oldest member of the State Execu- 
tive Committee in continuous service. He is a member of the 
Trustee Committee and was elected a Director of the Centen- 
nial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge in 1886 





y^-^o-i-t-I 




40 



W 



ESLEY HOWE SCHWARTZ is a native of Blair 
county, and was born near Williamsburg, Penn- 
sylvania, August 28, 1845. He was educated in the 
public schools. In 1865 he began to teach in his native 
township, where he remained two years, removing to Altoona 
in 1868, where he taught two terms. Hollidaysburg then became 
his home, and there, after a term of eleven years, his teaching 
experience came to a close. Before leaving Williamsburg he 
had begun to write for various publications — including the 
"Camp News"— and in September, 1868, became a regular 
writer for the Altoona "Vindicator," doing his writing after 
the day's work in the schoolroom. In the beginning of 1870 
the "Vindicator's" name was changed to "The Sun," and soon 
after the first number of the Altoona "Daily Sun" appeared. 
This was Altoona's first daily paper, and Mr. Schwartz was its 
first city editor. After his removal to Hollidaysburg, in Sep- 
tember, 1870, he edited the Democratic "Standard," continuing 
his work as a teacher. January 31, 1881, he became editor-in- 
chief of the "Morning Tribune,'* Altoona's leading daily, a 
position he still holds. He became a member of the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America by initiation into Washington Camp 
No. 45, then located in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, on Decem- 
ber 13, 1864. He had the honor of attending the State Con- 
vention of 1865, in Altoona, and is one of the Incorporators of 
the State Camp of Pennsylvania, which was organized in 
Minersville, Schuylkill county, August 9, 1866. Was State Vice 
President, 1890-91. He is now a member of Washington Camp 
No. 31. He is a member of the Valley Forge Trustee Com- 
mittee on the part of the Pennsylvania State Camp, and a 
Director in the Centennial and Memorial Association since 1886. 
Mr. Schwartz is also editor-in-chief of the "Bulletin" of the Pure 
Food Department, a monthly published by the State Agri- 
cultural Department. He has been a member of the Board of 
Trustees of the Western Pennsylvania Institution for the 
Feeble-Minded, located at Polk, Pennsylvania, and Message 
Clerk of the House of Representatives at Harrisburg. He is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his family con- 
sists of a wife, four children, and a dozen grandchildren. 



42 




ENRY ALBRIGHT KLOCK, M. D., was born August 
i6, 1848, at Pitman, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania; 
died February i, 1908. He received his education in 
the common schools of his native place and at Union 
Seminary, Union county, Pennsylvania. He subsequently 
took a commercial course in the Quaker City Business 
College of Philadelphia, and then went into the mercantile 
business and continued until 1875. At the close of this period 
he began the study of medicine, and entered Hahnemann Medi- 
cal College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated on 
March 11, 1878. Immediately after graduation he entered 
into partnership with Dr. Benjamin Becker, of Pottsville, and 
after six months went to Mahanoy City, where he maintained a 
successful and growing practice. 

He joined the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Pitman 
in 1870, was a charter member of Camp 124, Pennsylvania, in 
Mahanoy City, and has always taken an active part in State and 
National Camps. He was at one time State Master of Forms 
and Ceremonies in Pennsylvania, Medical Examiner-in-Chief of 
the Mortuary Benefit Fund, operated by the National Camp. 
He was also District President of his district for one term; 
he was one of the Pennsylvania State Camp Trustee Commit- 
tee of the Valley Forge fund, and a Director of the Associa- 
tion from the date of its reorganization in 1886. J. V. K. 



44 



J""^ AMES KELLERSON HELMS was born in Myerstown, 
Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, June ii, 1841. While a 
young boy his parents removed to Philadelphia, where he 
' received his education in the public schools. When he 
was sixteen years old his family removed to Schuylkill Haven, 
Pennsylvania, and here he began his career in life as a school 
teacher in Wayne township, close by the town. Upon the 
breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted for three months' 
service as a private in Company D, 6th Pennsylvania Infantry, 
at the expiration of which time he re-enlisted for three years 
in the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, and remained with that com- 
mand throughout the war. He rose through the various ranks 
to tliat of Captain and had command of his Company in the 
assault on Petersburg, where he was taken prisoner, but was 
rescued by Union troops, and later in the same battle received 
a wound in the leg which disabled him for life. 

Shortly after the close of the war he was elected Justice 
of the Peace of the borough, and held said office until his death. 
His one great boast was that he never had a decision of his 
reversed by court. For many years he was a member of the 
Borough School Board. 

In 1870 he was married to Miss Amanda Kantner, and had 
by said marriage five sons and two daughters. His widow, with 
one daughter, Elizabeth, and four sons, Thaddeus S., Harry S., 
James K., Charles B., survive him and reside in Philadelphia. 
The boys are all members of Camp 50, Pennsylvania, at Rox- 
borough. The father first entered the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, then known as the Junior Sons of America, May 7, 
1858, and at once became an active spirit. He made his first 
appearance in the Pennsylvania State Convention at Pottsville 
in i860. Upon the reorganization of the Order, after the war, 
his activity therein became a passion which influenced his whole 
life. At the Convention which was held at Minersville, in 1866, 
he was among the members who brought about the forma- 
tion of the State Camp of Pennsylvania, and was elected the 
first State Master of Forms and Ceremonies. At the next 
session of the State Camp he was elected State President. At 
the close of the first session of the National Camp he was 
elected National President. 



46 

He was an Incorporator of the State Camp of Pennsyl- 
vania. He was elected on the first Board of Trustees of the 
State Camp Building and continued on same until his death. 
He was also an ex-Commander General of the Commandery. 
He was a member of the Pennsylvania Valley Forge Trust 
Committee from its start in 1886, and became a Director of 
the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge at 
its organization and continued as such until 1893, when owing 
to his feeble health he resigned after re-election, and was privi- 
leged to name his successor. He died at Schuylkill Haven, 
Pennsylvania, July 23, 1893, respected by all who knew him. 

On his grave the Sons of America Veteran Association 
have erected a handsome monument, which was dedicated on 
June II, 1901, the sixtieth anniversary of his birth, he being the 
first member of the Order thus honored. T. S. H. 



mOHN HOWARD DUGAN was born March i, i860, at 
Lairdsville, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. When six 
years old the family moved to Audenried, Pennsylvania. 
Attended Common School until sixteen years of age, then 
taught one year; then entered West Chester State Normal 
School, graduating in 1879; taught three years in the Public 
Schools, then became Mining Engineer for the Lehigh and 
Wilkes-Barre Coal Company, at Audenried. He left this position 
in 1891 to take up contracting, under the name of Crawford & 
Dugan. In 1901 accepted a position as General Manager of 
the Chinese Engineering and Mining Company, the largest 
coal company in China ; remained there two years. Was 
Superintendent of the Dodson Coal Company, 1903-1906, when he 
again took the management of the contracting business, which 
he had repurchased in 1904. 

He was m.arried in 1886 to Miss Ella, daughter of 
Dr. A. Dimmick, of Audenried. 

Joined Camp 261, Pennsylvania, Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, in 1881; was District President of Luzerne and Car- 
bon District, 1883-4, and State Master of Forms, 1885-6, and one 
of the original Valley Forge Trustee Committee, and a Director 
of the Centennial and Memorial Association. 




a^f/^^i.^^^^ ■ 



48 




UDSON RUTHERFORD FLEMING was born Jan- 
uar}^ 17, 1852, at Mill Hall, Clinton county, Pennsyl- 
vania, and has resided in Lycoming county nearly all 
his life, mainly at Williamsport. In 1878 he engaged in 
the manufacture of carriages, and continued in that business 
until the great flood of 1889, in which the loss to his home city 
and immediate vicinity exceeded a million dollars. He had charge 
of the purchase of supplies for the relief of the sufferers in that 
great calamity. At the conclusion of this work, at a public meet- 
ing held in the County Court House, he, with Mayor J. S. Fores- 
man, Rev. W. H. Graff, Rev. Father E. A. Garvey, Rev. E. J. 
Gray, Hon. EHas Deemer, Wm. Ewes, F. Coleman and Frank 
Reading, were appointed a commission to distribute $157,000 con- 
tributed for the relief of the small property holders. He was 
secretary of the commission, which consumed a year in its work. 
The auditors reported having examined approximately fifteen 
thousand checks, vouchers and other items, covering the entire 
distribution, and this report became a part of the Court records. 
He has been a member of the Board of Education of his city 
for the past twenty-five years, having served as President, Sec- 
retary and Treasurer. In iSgi, under the firm name of Fleming 
& Shollenberger, he engaged in the manufacture of flour, meal, 
feed, etc., at Hepburnville, Pennsylvania, and has continued the 
business to the present time. 

He joined Camp 157, Pennsylvania, Patriotic Order Sons 
of America, at Williamsport, in 1872, and for many years took 
an active part in the work of the Order, both local and State. 
He has been a member of the Pennsylvania Trustee Commit- 
tee, and a Director of the Centennial and Memorial Associa- 
tion of Valley Forge from the date of its organization in 1886 




Av/C >^^^uA<^ 




50 



ICHARD PETERSON was born in Philadelphia, Penn- 
sylvania, March 8, 1823, of Quaker parentage, and was 
educated in the Friends' schools. February 15, 1844, 
he married Almira Little, daughter of Honorable 
Edward P. Little, of Marshfield, Mass., and settled on a farm 
at Abington, Pennsylvania, where he lived until 1847, at which 
time he moved to Philadelphia and became connected with 
the firm known as Cresson, Stuart & Peterson, thereafter 
Stuart & Peterson, and later as Stuart, Peterson & Co., in the 
stove and hollow-ware business, covering a period of over 
forty years. He was the financier of the firm, which became 
known as one of the best and largest hollow-ware foundries in 
the country. The foundry was located at Broad and Noble 
streets and occupied quite a tract of ground. Upon the death 
of Mr. Stuart the business management devolved entirely upon 
Mr. Peterson and was continued by him until 1886, at which 
time he sold the business and retired, and moved from 
Philadelphia to his summer residence at Valley Forge (now 
occupied and owned by Secretary of State P. C. Knox), where 
he made his home until 1892, when he moved to Haverford, 
Pennsylvania. He died December 12, 1893, and was buried 
on December 15th in the family lot in South Laurel Hill. 

During the Civil War he took an active part in the Vol- 
unteer Refreshment Saloon. He was one of the early members 
of the Union League of Philadelphia, a member of the Academy 
of Natural Sciences, and at one time a Trustee of the Spring 
Garden Institute. 

He joined the Patriotic Order Sons of America, Camp 243, 
Pennsylvania, March 23, 1880, and was President of same in 
1882, and in June, 1883, at Beach Haven National Convention, 
was made National President and served as such until June, 
1885. This Order is the only secret society he joined. He 
became a Director of the Centennial and Memorial Association 
of Valley Forge in 1889. G. P. 





'^ fc^ yi 



^3^0 



52 



W 



ILLIAM WEAND, born November 14, 1842, at Potts- 
town, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. When six 
years old the family moved to a farm in Schuylkill 
county, and later moved to Port Carbon, in same 
county, where he grew to manhood, receiving his education in 
the public schools, and became a wage earner at the age of 
twelve years. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in 
Company A, 96th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 
22, 1861, and was mustered out of service October 21, 1864, 
serving an enlistment of three years and two months in the 
Army of the Potomac, during which time he participated in 
thirty-two battles and skirmishes. After his discharge from the 
army he resumed his occupation in the rolling mill, and from 
there he helped to build the branch of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road from Quakake to Mt. Carmel, and later learned the trades 
of blacksmith and machinist, working for one firm seventeen 
and a half years.! He first joined the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America in,,:i873, .and at once took an active part in its upbuild- 
ing; served as District President of the Northern Schuylkill 
District in 1,877-78; was elected State Vice President at Gettys- 
burg Augustv 1878; again served as District President in 
1880-81; was appointed State Chaplain in 1881; was elected State 
President at Easton, August 1882, and upon the resignation of 
State Secretary H. J. Stager, in 1883, was elected to said office 
by the State Executive Committee, taking charge of the office 
January i, 1884, and has served continuously in said office up 
to the present date, covering a period of over twenty-six years. 
As State Secretary he rendered valuable assistance to State 
President H. J. Stager in securing contributions to a fund to 
pay ofT the mortgage on Washington's Headquarters at Val- 
ley Forge, which eventually led to the re-formation of the 
Valley Forge Memorial and Centennial Association, of which 
he has been an active member on the Board of Directors 
since 1891. 





':;?7:^:_ /''2z^-^^^_ 



54 



S 



AMUEL ALFRED LOSCH was born December 19, 
1842, at Uniontown, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania; 
educated in the public schools at Schuylkill Haven; 
at the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted in 
Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, as a 
private (this regiment saw much hard service, serving success- 
ively in South Carolina under General I. I. Stevens, in the 
Army of the Potomac under Generals McClellan, Pope and 
Burnside, under General Grant at Vicksburg, and Jackson, 
formed part of the besieged at the siege of Knoxville, finally 
joined Grant in the Army of the Potomac, serving until the 
surrender at Appomattox). Mr. Losch was promoted from 
time to time for distinguished bravery, and when mustered 
out July 30, 1865, it was as first lieutenant of his company; 
after the close of the war he was twice commissioned to 
serve in the National Guard of Pennsylvania on the stafif of 
Major General J. C. Seigfried with rank of major for terms 
of five years; was a member of the House of 'Represen- 
tatives, sessions of 1875 and 1876; chief clerk in the State De- 
partment under Governors Hartranft and Hoyt; appointed 
Secretary of New Mexico by President Arthur, Septem- 
ber, 1884; removed by President Cleveland in 1885; elected 
chief clerk of House of Representatives in 1887; State Senator 
representing Schuylkill county at Harrisburg, 1896 to 1900; 
was delegate from his county to nearly every Republican State 
Convention since 1871 for many years, and was National Dele- 
gate in 1880, being one of the memorable "306" voting for Gen- 
eral Grant ; was active in the Grand Army of the Republic from 
its organization and elected Senior Vice-Commander, Depart- 
ment of Pennsylvania, in 1876. 

He joined the Patriotic Order Sons of America in 1866, and 
took quite an active part in that work for many years there- 
after. He was present at several sessions of the Pennsylvania 
State Camp as a delegate. He was elected as a Director of 
this Board in 1893. Died September 11, 1900. H. J. S. 



56 

EREDERICK BERTOLETTE was born in Frederick 
township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, April 26, 
1851. He was a graduate of Bucknell University in 
1872 and received the degree of Master of Arts in 1875 '> 
was admitted to the Bar of Carbon county in 1874, and has been 
practicing law at Mauch Chunk ever since. He joined the Patri- 
otic Order Sons of America and took an active part in Camp 
108, Pennsylvania, located in his home town. He was a delegate 
to the Pennsylvania State Camp several times, and also a mem- 
ber of the National Camp at various times. He became a 
Director of the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge in June, 1894. 



M—l ARY KRAUSE PRESTON, the daughter of David and 
Catherine Krause, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsyl- 
vania, September 7, 1835, and resided in that city until 
■^ 1845, when her father was appointed Judge of Mont- 
gomery and Bucks counties, and removed with his family to Nor- 
ristown, which was her home from that time until her death. 

On October 10, 1867, she was married to Dr. Mahlon 
Preston, one of the first successful homoeopathic physicians of 
Norristown, who died October 2, 1895. 

She always enjoyed the study of history, and was zealous in 
patriotic movements. When an aid at the Sanitary Fair, held in 
Philadelphia during the Civil War, she happened to be very near 
President Lincoln when the lights in the building were suddenly 
extinguished in an attempt to assassinate him. 

She was a member of the Historical Society of Montgomery 
County, the Valley Forge Centennial and Memorial Association, 
of which she was a Director, and of the Valley Forge Chapter, 
Daughters of the American Revolution, the latter having been 
organized at her home. In all of these she took an active part 
and attended their meetings until prevented by ill health. She 
was especially interested in all their endeavors to preserve local 
history, traditions and landmarks. She regarded the work of the 
Memorial Association as of the greatest importance and rejoiced 
in its success. 

She died February 2, 1907, and is survived by one son and 
two daughters. C. P. 



58 



J 



AMES HIGH WOLFE, born at Mount Pleasant, Hill- 
town township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, December 
2, 1848, of Pennsylvania German parentage. His 
boyhood was spent on his father's farm at his birth- 
place, and he attended the public schools and a private academy 
in Hilltown; took a full collegiate course at Franklin and Mar- 
shall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with the exception of 
the first term of the junior year, which he spent at the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania. He was graduated in 1870 with the de- 
gree of A. B., and three years later his alma mater conferred on 
him the degree of A. M.; taught for one year in the historic 
Germantown Academy in connection with his study of the law, 
which he pursued in the office of General B. Franklin Fisher; 
was admitted to the Bar of Philadelphia in 1872 and subsequently 
to the Federal Courts of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 
and has ever since actively practiced his profession, principally 
in the Civil Courts. He is solicitor for a number of Building 
Associations, and his activities are exercised principally in the 
realm of the law of real estate. 

He is a member of the Medico-Legal Society of Philadel- 
phia and of other civic and professional bodies, and has for 
many years been President of St. John's Lutheran Church, 
the oldest English Lutheran Church in America, and Sunday 
School Superintendent for over twenty-five years. 

He joined Camp 7, Pennsylvania, Patriotic Order Sons 
of America, in 1873, and has frequently represented his Camp 
and his District as District President, in the State Conventions 
of that Order in Pennsylvania. He served for a long period as 
a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania State 
Camp Building and has also frequently represented said State 
Camp as Delegate at the National Conventions of the Order. 
He was first elected a member of the Board of Directors of the 
Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge in 1894, 
and has served in that capacity continuously ever since. 




0^<i.^-r<^?^"^^ 



6o 



F 



RANKLIN PIERCE SPIESE was born in East Cov- 
entry township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 
20, 1855. His early life was spent upon a farm, attend- 
ing public school five months in the year, until 
seventeen years of age. He was brought up in the Reformed 
Church, to which his parents were united. He removed to 
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, at the age of eighteen, and joined 
Camp 57, Pennsylvania, there located. For ten years he served 
as Recording Secretary. In 1877 at Pennsylvania State Camp 
he was unanimously elected State Vice President and served in 
other of^cial capacities, and in 1890 was elected as State Presi- 
dent, and in 1891 re-elected, which was the first re-election made 
for said office. In that time the membership was increased 
from 43,365 to 48,450, and the Camps from 555 to 654. January 
4, 1857, he was elected as National Treasurer of the National 
Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and served with signal 
ability in that office until the date of his death, August 31, 
1907. A brief review of his business career shows that in 1872 
he was first employed in the office cf the Catawissa Railroad 
Company, and thereafter became apprenticed as a carpenter, 
serving about five years. In 1877 he engaged in the wholesale 
and retail boot, shoe and leather findings business, and was 
the head of the firm of F. P. Spiese & Co., doing the largest 
trade in this line in Schuylkill county. In 1885 he was among 
the pioneers engaging in the installation of a central station for 
the supply of electricity for light, heat and power, and organ- 
ized the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Tamaqua. 
He was also interested in various other enterprises, among 
which V e-e the Citizens' Gas Light Company, of Tamaqua; 
President of the Tamaqua and Landsford Street Railway Com- 
pany; Director of Tamiqua Building and Loan Association; 
President of the First National Bank. He served as School 
Director and was interested in State and National politics. In 
the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge he 
was elected as a Director in June, 1895, ^i^d as Treasurer in 
1906, succeeding F. G. Hobson, deceased, and so continued 
until his death. In 1880 he married Miss Emma L. Bowden, of 
Tamaqua. One daughter followed this union, but died in early 
youth. H. J. S. 



62 



' _1 ARY BEAN JONES, was born at Jeffersonville, Mont- 

jVI I gomery county. Pennsylvania, November 6, 1863. 

I 1 1 Removed to Norristown in 1875; graduated from the 

* Norristown High School, 1880, and from Wellesley 

College, 1889; engaged in teaching, February 10, 1891; married 

A. Conrad Jones, of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, where they 

reside. Their children are Dorothea Bean and Rachel Conrad. 

Mrs. Jones is an active member of the Historical Society of 
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and has held the office of 
Corresponding Secretary for many years. She assisted her 
father in the compilation of the "History of Montgomery 
County, Pennsylvania." 

Mrs. Jones is identified with the educational and civic 
movements in her community, and has served several years as 
President of the Woman's Club of Conshohocken, Pa. 

In recognition of her deep interest in Valley Forge and her 
father's services in the Valley Forge Centennial and Memorial 
Association, she was made a Director in that Association in 
June, 1895. and Second Vice-Regent in June, 1901. 







H 



/^.i^<a^ t^^^ii^^^^-^^^^-^^^^- 






64 



A"^ BRAHAM D FETTEROLF was born in Perkiomen 
township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, June 4, 
1850. When six years old he removed with his parents 
■-^ to Collegeville, Pa.; attended the public schools 
and Freeland Seminary (now Ursinus College); taught in the 
Public Schools for four years. Filled the following public 
offices: Deputy Clerk of the Courts of Montgomery county; 
Chairman of RepubUcan County Committee in 1892-93; Secre- 
tary of Republican State Committee, 1894-1895; Resident Clerk 
of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 1893; Chief 
Clerk during the sessions of 1895 and 1897; Justice of the Peace 
for eight years; Burgess of Collegeville; was a Director of the 
National Bank of Schwenksville for five years; is President of 
the Collegeville National Bank, and Secretary of the Perkio- 
men Valley Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is a charter 
member of Washington Camp No. 267, Pennsylvania, Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, having joined the Order in 1880; was 
District President of Montgomery county in 1885; became a 
member of the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge in 1896. 



66 

EETER NATHANIEL KLINGER SCHWENK, B. S., 
A. M., M. D., was born in Valley View, Schuylkill 
county, Pennsylvania, on August 24, 1854, where he at- 
tended the country school until 1871, when his parents- 
removed to Lewisburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended the 
High School for two years. In 1873 he entered the Fresh- 
men Class of Bucknell University as a scientific stu- 
dent, from which he was graduated in 1876 with 
honors. For three years he taught school in Northumberland 
county and in the fall of 1879 he entered the Medical Depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated 
in 1882 as a physician of the first class, having received a class> 
average of 95.25% for the term, also honorable mention for his 
thesis on "Histology of Gangrene." On June 22, 1883, he was 
appointed a clinical assistant in the Eye and Ear Department of 
the Pennsylvania Hospital, and in July, 1896, was elected as one 
of the Attending Surgeons in the same Hospital, which position 
he still holds. On October 10, 1883, he received an appointment 
as clinical assistant to Dr. George C. Harlan at Wills' Eye Hos- 
pital, elected an Assistant Surgeon in 1890, and an Attending 
Surgeon to Wills' Eye Hospital in July, 1898, which position he 
holds to-day. 

Dr. Schwenk has served three years (1882 to 1884) as an 
Attending Physician to the Northern Dispensary, Guardian Phy- 
sician in 1884, Vaccine Physician from 1884 to 1896 — besides 
other minor appointments. He is a member of the Philadelphia 
County, Pennsylvania State and American Medical Societies, 
American Ophthalmological Society, American Ophthalmological 
and Oto-Laryngological Society, Congress of Physicians and 
Surgeons, American Academy of Medicine, Northern Medical 
Society, etc. Received the honorary degree of Master of Arts 
from Ursinus College in 1900. Is a member of all the Masonic 
bodies, including the thirty-second degree. Was married on 
February 10, 1891, to Miss Mary R. Shepp, of Tamaqua, Penn- 
sylvania. Has one son, P. N. Klinger Schwenk, Jr. He became 
a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America in Camp 109, 
Pennsylvania, Valley View, in 1869, and he is at present National 
Medical Examiner-in-Chief of the Mortuary Benefit Fund, and 
one of the Directors of the Valley Forge Memorial Association 
since 1897. 




/ffr^Ky^^^^^'C^c^^'^^^ 



68 



r 



REDERICK ECKERT STEES was born in Pine 
Grove, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, September 27, 
1841, receiving his education in the public schools of 
his native town, and later graduating from the 
Arcadian Institute, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. 

In 1857, he became a member of Camp 49, Pennsylvania, 
Junior Sons of America, and continued his membership in the 
Patriotic Order Sons of America until death. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War, he promptly responded to 
President Lincoln's call in 1861, and enlisted in Company B, 
96th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Upon his return, he became connected with a general store, 
known as Forrer & Stees, which continued until 1876, when the 
firm changed to F. E. Stees & Bro., and remained as such 
until 1887. 

In 1880, he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House 
of Representatives, and re-elected in 1882, by the Republican 
party. 

During the summer of 1887, he moved to Kansas City, Mis- 
souri, to engage in the real estate business; returning to Penn- 
sylvania, during the fall of 1888, he was appointed a United 
States Custom House Inspector at Philadelphia, resigning said 
position to become National Secretary of the Patriotic Order 
Sons of America in October, 1891, which position he retained to 
the time of his death, April 19, 1905. 

His entire energy was devoted to the upbuilding of the 
Order, being a Past President of his Camp. Past State President 
of the State Camp of Pennsylvania, Past National President, 
ex-Commander General of the uniformed rank, and at his death 
he occupied the positions of National Secretary and Recorder 
General of the Commandery General. He was one of the 
original State Camp Incorporators and a State Camp Building 
Trustee from 1876. 

He was also a member of the Board of Directors of th? 
Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge, being 
elected in 1897. 

Besides being actively identified with the P. O. S. of A., he 
held membership in Post No. 203, Grand Army of the Republic; 
Lodge No. 148, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Pine 
Grove Lodge, No. 409, Free and Accepted Masons. C. H. S. 



70 



J 



OHN MILTON STAUFFER, born February 13, 1863, 
at Ringtown, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. At- 
tended Common Schools and Millersville State Normal 
School. At seventeen he became a teacher and taught in 
the Public Schools of Schuylkill, Luzerne and Carbon counties 
for ten terms. He was engaged in lumbering, iron industries, 
banking and coal operations. He was married to Miss Carrie Ma- 
dara, of Frackville, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1889. He has lived 
successively at Ringtown, Schuylkill Haven, Beaver Meadow and 
Hazleton. He joined Camp 265, Pennsylvania, Patriotic Order 
Sons of America, April 18, 1883; transferred to Camp 219 in 
1885. He has taken an active part in State and National Camps. 
Served six years as District President. He became a Director 
of the Centennial and Memorial Association in 1901, and served 
as its last Treasurer. 





a^o'Yf^ 



72 



A 



BRAHAM STEINMETZ BRENDLE, son of Daniel 
and Rebecca (Steinmetz) Brendle, was born in 
Schaefferstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, June 
12, 1854. His parents moved on a farm near said town 
when he was two years old, and there he spent his boyhood and 
youth. Attended the public schools until he was seventeen years 
old, and then entered Palatinate College, Myerstown, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he prepared for the Junior class at Franklin and 
Marshall College, Lancaster, from which institution he was grad- 
uated with honors June, 1877; then taught two years in the 
public schools of his native town, and next the Spring Mills 
Academy one term. Read law with Gen. J. P. S. Gobin, Lebanon, 
and was admitted to the Lebanon county Bar, May, 1882, and is 
in active practice now. Joined Camp 256, Pennsylvania, Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, February 3, 1892, and filled the office of 
District President in 1803. He became a Director of the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge, June, 1905. 




/^ . (y /^^-^-c-^^^L^tL^ 



74 



M^ARY TEESE McINNES was born in Bridgeport, Mont- 
gomery county, Pennsylvania, and resides with her 
mother at Norristown. Her father, Hugh Mclnnes, a 
"^ highly respected and successful business man in that 
vicinity, died several years ago. She was educated in Private 
Schools in Philadelphia and Paris, France. Elected a Director 
of the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge in 
1906, of which her mother has been Regent since igoi. 





c/Jr^o^^^^^/a, 



76 



1 OHN HARRY HUGHES, born February 19, 1850, Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania. His ancestor Hendrick Fry 
came to this country in 1672 and married Catherine 
^ Ann Levering in 1694. He is the great-great- 
grandson of John Hesser, who when a boy of sixteen years 
of age was with General Washington at Valley Forge in the 
winter of 1777-1778, and with him at the Battle of Trenton, 
December 26, 1776. He attended the public school at Chelten- 
ham, Montgomery county, until fifteen years of age. He 
graduated at the Bryant-Stratton commercial college in commer- 
cial law and bookkeeping. He learned the manufacture of Irish 
silk poplins in his father's factory in Philadelphia. After that he 
was associated in the manufacture of cotton and woolen yarns and 
also hosiery, in Philadelphia, until 1893. From that time to the 
present he has been interested in the storage business. He was 
initiated in Washington Camp No. 300, Pennsylvania, Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, on February 19, 1889, his thirty-ninth 
birthday; received the blue degree in Commandery No. 4, 
April 9, 1890, and was elected President of Camp 300, June 25, 
1889. He has been an officer or a representative up until two 
years ago to the Pennsylvania State Camp, and also held the 
office of State Camp Building Trustee, and was Treasurer of the 
Jubilee Committee when the State Camp met in Philadelphia on 
its sixtieth anniversary. He was the first Commander of Com- 
mandery No. 4, under the Commandery General, and served 
in the office of Senior Vice Commander and Commander General 
in 1894 and 1895. He has been a representative or officer in the 
National Camp from 1890 up to 1907, having held the office of 
National Inspector and National Conductor. Also a member of 
the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution, and a Direc- 
tor of the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge 
since 1906, being the last one elected to that office. 




cHri 




^^ 



78 



1"^ SAAC WATKIN SMITH, born July 29, 1839, in Lower 
Merion, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and was 
educated in the public schools of that township. Be- 
^^ came manager of carpet-yarn factory of his brother-in- 
law, Joseph Shaw, at Valley Forge. After Mr. Shaw's 
death he continued the superintendence of the interests of the 
estate until 1872, then operated the mill in his own interests until 
1882, when he removed to Norristown. In 1883 he erected a mill 
in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, for the manufacture of woolen 
goods, and continued the business until his death. 

Mr. Smith was active and interested in the arrangements for 
the 1878 celebration of the Centennial of the Evacuation of Wash- 
ington and his Army from Valley Forge. His home was opened 
freely for the early meetings of the Valley Forge Centennial Asso- 
ciation, and he was the first President of that Organization. He 
advanced the first payment of $500, to secure the Headquarters 
of Washington at Valley Forge as a memorial, which amount 
was refunded by the efforts of the ladies on June 19, 1878. He 
died March 15, 1903. His widow served as a Director of the 
Valley Forge Centennial and Memorial Association for a term of 
years B 




fl!/y,(^'4 




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Origin 




HE Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge was formed for a twofold purpose, 
to commemorate the centennial anniversary of 
the occupation and evacuation of the hills of 
Valley Forge by the Continental Army, and to secure to 
the nation Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge, 
as a memorial for all time. 

On the 1 8th day of December, 1877, the following- 
named persons, Isaac W. Smith, Colonel Theo. W. Bean, 
Dr. N. A. Pennypacker, General B. F. Fisher, Major R. 
R. Corson, Charles Ramey, Major B. F. Bean, John W. 
Eckman, I. Heston Todd, Charles Mercer, John W. 
Rowan, Daniel Webster, John Robb, met at the residence 
of the first-named gentleman, in the village of Valley 
Forge, at which meeting Mr. I. W. Smith was selected 
to preside, and John Robb was chosen secretary, and 
John W. Eckman, treasurer. These gentlemen organized 
the "Centennial Association of Valley Forge," and re- 
solved that "a demonstration be made on the centennial 
anniversary of the departure of General Washington's 
army from Valley Forge." At a second meeting of the 
Association the several committees were appointed to 
make the necessary preparations for the anniversary 
ceremonies on June 19, 1878. 



82 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Subsequent meetings were held, and active prepara- 
tions resulted in a most fitting and successful celebration 
of the historic day. The ceremonies were of a military, 
religious, musical and historical character, and more than 
fifty thousand people assembled on the Valley Forge hills 
to participate in the event. 

Prior to the celebration, at a meeting of the Associa- 
tion held February 22, 1878, the committee on memorial 
design reported favorable to the purchasing of the Head- 
quarters of Washington, and suggested that the matter 
be placed in the hands of the ladies, the executive officer 
to be appointed by the Association, to be called the Lady 
Regent. At the next meeting, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein 
was selected Lady Regent. 

Mrs. Holstein associated with her other patriotic 
ladies, Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, 
Mrs. Isaac Holstein, Miss Emily Amies (now Mrs. 
Abram Walker), Mrs. Mercer, Mrs. Preston, Mrs. Isaac 
Walker, Mrs. Cadwallader Evans, Mrs. B. F. Fisher, Mrs. 
George W. Holstein. They at once entered into negotia- 
tions for the purchase of Washington's Headquarters. In 
March, 1878, the terms of purchase were agreed upon 
by a committee, consisting of Major and Mrs. W. H. 
Holstein and Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes. $6,000 was named 
by the owner, Mrs. Hannah Ogden, as the purchase price, 
and the first payment of $500 was advanced by Mr. Isaac 
W. Smith. 

May 2^, 1878, a meeting of the ladies of Montgomery 
and Chester counties was held at Washington's Head- 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 83 

quarters at Valley Forge, to assist the gentlemen in 
furthering arrangements for the celebration on June 19, 
1878. The meeting was organized with Mrs. William H. 
Holstein as Regent, Mrs. James Hooven, Treasurer, and 
Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Secretary. From that time until 
June 19, semi-weekly meetings were held ; money and 
large quantities of provisions were gathered by the ladies, 
and on the 19th of June, by means of the sale of photo- 
graphs, maps, fruit, crackers, lemonade and other articles 
under the able management of Mrs. Wm. H. Holstein, at 
the Headquarters and grounds about it, and by a tent 
dinner on the field, where the celebration was held, under 
the efficient management of Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, the 
first five hundred dollars were made to repay the money 
advanced by Mr. Isaac W. Smith to secure the Head- 
quarters mansion. 

The success of the celebration on June 19, 1878, from 
every point of view, was a strong incentive to the ladies 
to enter upon the task of raising the remaining $5,500 
for the purchase of Washington's Headquarters. For the 
following seven years continued and persistent efifort was 
made to raise the above amount. In order to take title 
to the property, the Association was chartered July 6, 
1878, under the laws of Pennsylvania, as the "Centennial 
and Memorial Association of Valley Forge," and shares 
of stock in the Association were sold for one dollar each. 

The Constitution and By-Laws of the Association 
provided that the officers should consist of a Regent, a 
Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary and a 



84 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Treasurer, and also a Board of Vice Regents, not to 
exceed the number of States represented in the Congress 
of the United States, the said Vice Regents to be selected 
by the presiding Regent, subject to the approval of a 
majority of the said Vice Regents present at any regular 
meeting of said Board. The Board of Vice Regents 
should also constitute an executive council for the transac- 
tion of all business properly brought before them under 
the provisions of the charter. Quarterly meetings of the 
Association were provided for, to be held in the Head- 
quarters Mansion, Valley Forge, on the last Monday in 
June, September, December and March, and the annual 
meetings to be held at same place on the last Monday in 
June. The meetings of the executive council were held 
at the call of the presiding Regent whenever the interests 
of the Association in their judgment required the same. 
The two Secretaries and Treasurer were ex officio mem- 
bers of the said council. 

In the by-laws of the Association it was set forth 
that "any citizen of the United States of America may 
Ijecome a member of this Association upon the payment 
of one dollar, which will entitle such person to a certificate 
•of stock, and upon the payment of the further sum of 
iifty cents" on or before the annual meeting "shall be 
■entitled to vote at all meetings of the Association for the 
ensuing year." 

The Constitution and By-Laws were amenable to 
"amendment or alteration at any regular quarterly meet- 
ing by a majority of the members present." 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 85 

Entertainments — lectures, musicales, recitals, fetes — 
were held at Norristown, West Chester, Valley Forge, 
Reading, Pottsville, Pittsburg and other places, to raise 
money for the purchase fund. 

Several of the forms of tickets used on these occa- 
sions are hereunto annexed : 

Dedication of Washington's Headquarters, 

Valley Forge, Pa., 

Thursday, June 19, '79, 

On the loist Anniversary of Evacuation, by 

The Valley Forge Centennial and Memorial Association. 

Dinner Ticket Fifty Cents. 

Parlor Entertainment. 

Readings 

By 

Miss M. Fannie Boice, 

In Aid of Valley Forge Asso'n, 

Saturday Evening, November I, 1879, 

At the Residence of Mr. Hugh Mclnnes, Bridgeport. 

Tickets 35 cents. 

Reading at 7.30. 

Patriotic interest was stirred by observing annually 
the 19th day of June as Evacuation Day at Valley Forge. 
By personal solicitation, by correspondence, by appeals to 
Congress, the Regent, Mrs. Holstein, sought to arouse 
sufficient interest in the movement to attain the desired 
end. Her efforts were ably seconded by her co-workers. 
A period of general financial depression came on, local 
contributions ceased, and the appeals to the nation at 
large met with scant response. Half the amount had been 
raised, and, undaunted, the ladies carried a mortgage of 
$3,000, when a happy turn came in the affairs of the 
Association. In response to their appeal, the Pennsyl- 



86 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

vania Camps of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
became interested in the efforts of the Association, and in 
1886 contributed over $3000 with which to cancel the 
mortgage and accrued interest. This generous response 
secured to the nation Washington's Headquarters at 
Valley Forge. 

To the Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge is due the credit of making the initial 
effort in securing Washington's Headquarters at Valley 
Forge, and rescuing it from being diverted to other pur- 
poses, and from possible destruction. Their patient and 
persistent effort was richlj^ rewarded by the co-operation 
of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. 

To this Association is due also the credit of arousing 

and sustaining interest in the history of Valley Forge, 

which has borne fruit in the visits of thousands every 

year to Valley Forge. Colonel Bean, Mrs. Holstein and 

their co-workers repeatedly urged that the camp ground 

of the Continental Army on the Valley Forge hills be 

secured for a National Park, and they would rejoice that 

the State has now done for the nation this inestimable 

service. 

Mary Bean Jonks. 





ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 87 

Washington's Headquarters at 
Valley Forge, 1777-78 

By Mrs. Anna Morris Holstein 

Regent of the Centennial and Memorial Association 
of Valley Forge. Written in 1891 

N the 19th of December, 1777, the American 
Army went into position at Valley Forge. Mr. 
Lossing says : "On that cold, wintry journey to 
Valley Forge, Mrs. Washington rode behind her 
husband on a pillion. He was on his powerful bay 
charger and, accompanied by a single aide-de-camp, fol- 
lowed the last remnant of the army that left the encamp- 
ment at Whitemarsh." General Washington occupied 
Valley Forge Headquarters for six months, until June 
19th, 1778. 

This building was erected by John Potts in 1759, and 
when selected by General Washington for his head- 
quarters, was the home of the former's son, Isaac Potts, 
then the proprietor of the Valley Forge. They had a forge 
upon the creek, about half a mile above its mouth, which 
was first known as Mount Joy, and later as the Valley 
Forge. From this comes the name which is now historic. 
The forge was burned by the British two months before 
the army encamped there, and the new works erected soon 
after the close of the Revolutionary War were built nearer 
the Potts Building along the Creek, and about where the 
bridge now crosses the stream in the village. 



88 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The iron used at the Valley Forge was made at the 
Warwick furnace, in Chester county, and hauled there 
by teams. From 1757 the place seems to have been 

■■^ n) 




GENERAL MUHLENBERG'S HEADQUARTERS 

Valley Forge, 1777-78 

known as "The Valley Forge," though in most legal docu- 
ments of that day it retained the name of Mount Joy. 

This name, tradition asserts, was bestowed on the 
bluff near the Schuylkill by William Penn, vv^ho, while 
exploring the place, lost his way on the hill south of 
Valley Creek, which he named Mount Misery ; but when 
he reached the top of the opposite eminence he found 
out where he was, and gave to it the name of Mount 
Joy, to commemorate the incident. This manor Penn 
granted to his daughter Letitia, and until the Revolution 
some part of it was held by the Penns. It was upon 
Mount Joy that the American army was encamped. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



89 



The same year in which this house was erected, John 
Potts built a good grist mill upon the creek near where 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad is now located. 
When the new dam, as it was called, was made, it raised 
the water level and covered the foundation of the forge 
which the British had burned. Mrs. Hannah Ogden, of 
whom the Headquarters was purchased by this Associa- 
tion, stated that the grist mill was burned in 1843 by a 
spark from a locomotive. Her father then built a smaller 
one higher up, which was afterward used as a paper mill. 

The Headquarters House, from cellar to attic, is in 
good preservation, and appears to-day almost precisely 
as it did when Washington was domiciled within it. The 
doors, with bolts and locks, are the verv same his hands 




HEADQUARTERS OF GENERALS STEUBEN AND DU PORTAILE 
Valley Forge, 1777-78 



90 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

have moved ; the floors, except a portion of the one in 
the office-room, are those over which the great chieftain 
has walked in many weary hours; the window glass and 
sash are unchanged since the days when anxious eyes 
looked through them at the soldiers' huts upon the hills. 

In the woods above Port Kennedy, on the river side 
of the road, the foundations of the huts are still plainly 
visible, though covered with a growth of underbrush. The 
shallow cellars seem to be in lines or streets, running north 
and south, and can be readily traced. The Northern and 
Eastern troops are said to have placed their log cabins 
much deeper in the earth than their Southern comrades, 
and therefore were better protected from the cold, and 
their mortality was less than among the soldiers whose 
huts were almost entirely above ground. 

The place where Baron Steuben drilled the soldiers 
was also part of this woods. 

There is but one plainly marked grave now seen upon 
the encampment ground ; it is in a field opposite this piece 
of woods. A common river stone, with the initials 
"]. W." (John Waterman, Rhode Island) cut upon it. 
This grave has always been well preserved. (Some years 
later a granite monument was erected and this now marks 
the spot. — Ed.) 

Not far from this locality, upon the same road, is 
the home of Wm. Stephens. At the time of the encamp- 
ment it was occupied by his ancestor, Abijah Stephens, 
and was made the headquarters of General Weedon or 
General Varnum, and later of Baron DeKalb. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 91 

Near the orchard opposite this residence on the river 
side is what now appears to be a steep, cone-shaped hill. 
This was the "Star Redoubt," and commanded the river 
crossing. Across the road from this point was an orchard 
in Revolutionary times, and here, tradition says, many 
graves were made. During the generation following these 
events cattle and horses would frequently sink into them. 
The old orchard is now gone, and frequent plowing has 
removed all traces of graves. 

The headquarters of General Muhlenberg were on 
Edwin Moore's farm. It was then the property of his 
great-grandfather, John Moore. The present residence 
of Mrs. Mary Jones, near the bridge over the creek, was 
the headquarters of General Knox, and was then owned 
by John Brown, who was also proprietor of Mr. Richard 
Peterson's (a Director) near-by place. Crossing the bridge 
a short distance up the stream, is the residence of Mrs. 
Edward Wilson. This house was General LaFayette's 
headquarters. Half a mile from this place, on the road 
leading to Centreville, is the farm and home of Miss 
Rebecca Davis, now, June, 1891, in her ninety-second 
year. She says that Generals Steuben and Du Portaile 
had their headquarters in this building, and that their 
names were beautifully carved on a door upstairs, but 
have now entirely disappeared. She supposes they have 
been planed off by some family occupying the house. 

General Wayne's headquarters were on the farm 
owned by Wm. Henry Walker, descendant of Joseph 
Walker, who resided there in i777-'78. The "Sons of the 



92 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Revolution" have recently placed a stone at the corner of 
a field and road leading from Centreville to Valley Forge, 
to mark its location. Upon it is inscribed : "600 yards 
east from this stone is the headquarters of Major-General 
Anthony Wayne." This old house, though modernized, 
is one of the most interesting of the group of officers' 




GENERAL WAYNE'S HEADQUARTERS 
Valley Forge. 1777-78 

headquarters that cluster around Valley Forge. Mr. 
Walker's mother stated to the writer that when she came 
there, in her early married life, no changes had then been 
made. Corner chimneys were in each of the two parlors ; 
the handsome, wide hall also had a corner chimney ; and a 
quaint closet in the hall under the stairs, A-shaped, having 
solid walls each side, running back to a point, with a 
narrow door in front, was always styled the "Hessian 
Closet." It was said that prisoners were placed there 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 93 

for safe-keeping. Many odd nooks and corners were all 
through the house. A millstone lies near the kitchen door 
that had done good service for the patriot soldiers when 
grinding grain in the little mill near the house. 

Moses Coates lived above "Moore Hall.'' At his 
house Generals Gates and Mifflin and Colonels Davis and 
Ballard were quartered. "Besides their attendants, they 
had a guard of twenty-four men." Officers also had their 
headquarters at Jacob Pennypacker's. There were many 
other officers' headquarters, but these names were the 
nearest to General Washington's headquarters. 

The outer Hne of earthworks extends from near the 
head of the dam, across the top of a ridge, along the line 
of the Davis property through farms that are now owned 
by Mr. Mullen, the Zook and Kennedy estates, down to 
the river. Outside of this line of earthworks, on the Zook 
property, in the rear of the lime quarries, "Fort Folly" 
was located (so called because of its position). Forts 
Washington and Huntingdon are on the eastern slope of 
Mount Joy. The road leading to the river where the 
army crossed passes in front of these two latter-named 
forts. The brown sandstone that marks what is called 
the "Sullivan Bridge," where the troops crossed on June 
19th, 1778, stands near the river, on land formerly belong- 
ing to the Stephens' estate ; freshets and high waters of 
many years have washed the earth over it. until the top 
is now level with the earth. About three or four inches 
in front of it is a white marble stone, which the river is 
rapidly covering. Upon this is inscribed : "Spencer and 



94 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Sullivan's Bridge, lyyj-y'^, erected by Schuylkill Boat- 
men in 1840." In front of these stones a piece of timber 
lies in the river, said to be the remains of what was 
known as the "Floating Bridge." A short distance 
below these stones a log hut is found on land belonging 
to Wm. Stephens. It is known as the "Slave Hut," and 
has stood there ever since the encampment. On the 




GENERAL KNOX'S HEADQUARTERS 
Valley Forge, 1777-78 

19th of December, 1777, the whole number of men in 
the field when the encampment commenced was 11,098; 
and of this number 2898 were unfit for duty, by reason 
of destitution and illness. 

During the occupancy of the Valley Forge hills by 
General Washington and his army, in the winter of 1777 
and 1778, the Commander-in-Chief assigned General 
Sullivan to the building of a bridge over the Schuylkill 
River at this point. The bridge was completed in Febru- 
ary, 1778. The advantage derived from its construction 
was important, as it at all seasons and conditions of the 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 95 

stream gave the American army an uninterrupted passage 
and communication with the east side of the river. 

The kind and character of this bridge are best ex- 
pressed in General SulHvan's own language in a letter 
by him to the General Assembly, in 1778: 

"Providence, November 20th, 1778. 
"Gentlemen : As I had the honor to direct the construction of 
a bridge over the Schuylkill, near Valley Forge, and as I wish 
it to stand for the benefit of the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, I 
take the liberty of recommending the filling up of the piers or 
boxes with stones ; also, a number of stone round the boxes to 
prevent the sand washing away round the sides. The precaution 
being taken, I flatter myself the bridge will stand 'til the lumber 
decays. 

"I have the Honor to be with 
"Great Respect, Gentlemen, 

"Your Honor's Most Obedient and 
"Respected Servant, 

"Honorable Assembly of Pennsylvania. 

"Jno. Sullivan." 

The General Assembly neglected to follow this advice 
and take the necessary precautions, as suggested by Gen- 
eral Sullivan. 

Nothing now remains of this old ford and bridge, 
but a stone has been planted on each side of the Schuylkill 
river to mark the site. The original marker on 
the left bank of the river became defaced and 
was replaced by a handsome granite marker, 
October, 1907. On the right bank of the river, close 
along the canal tow-path, a white marble stone marks 
the other terminal of the bridge, erected by money sub- 
scribed by canal boatmen. There was a period in the year 
when many canal boats were tied up near this point, and it 



96 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

is said the boat captains conceived the idea of putting up 
the marker and having a day of jollification over it — which 
they did. This marker is still visible and in good condi- 
tion. An avenue — known as Baptist road, which took its 
name as being the road used by the early Baptists going to 
Fatland ford for immersion — leads the visitor to ihis 
spot from the main road on either side of the Schuylkill 
river. 

Sullivan's bridge was used for the last time by 
General Washington and his army at the time of their 
evacuation of Valley Forge. The whole army at this 
time crossed this bridge. 




97 




Centennial and Memorial Association 
Patriotic Order Sons of America 

[Article which appeared in pamphlet published in 1901 and written 
by H. J. Stager.] 

CELEBRATION 

j^^ N June 19th, 1878, at the old historic Head- 
quarters of Washington at Valley Forge (the 
Potts mansion), and on the encampment grounds 
near by, was celebrated the centennial anni- 
versary of the occupancy and evacuation of this 
celebrated camp ground of Washington and his army. 
In the history of our country there is no place 
which appeals more directly to the patriot than does that 
season of six months' disheartenment and discourage- 
ment of the Continental troops. The celebration of 1878 
was upon a magnificent scale and was participated in by 
thousands; possibly at no time in its history was there so 
large a concourse of people assembled on these grounds 
at Valley Forge as on this date. There was a splendid 
review of large numbers of military in the morning, and 
in the afternoon an oration and public speaking, with 
other pleasing features, made up the hours of the day. 



98 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAE 

In verse and story have the sufferings and privations 
of the brave Continental troops been recorded, and to 
every American this ground should be most hallowed. 
At this time, inspired by the sacred associations and feel- 
ings called up by a rehearsal of the struggles at that 
period of our country's history, a band of patriotic women 
who had been associated with a few libejal-hearted men 
in carrying out this great programme of celebration, were 
delegated with the task of deciding upon some fitting 
memorial to commemorate the first great event of the 
occupation and evacuation of the hills, forts and earth- 
works of Valley Forge and the close of the first century 
here. 

ORIGIN OF the; association. 

It was suggested that no more fitting memorial could 
be designed than Washington's Headquarters, which had 
already stood the storms of more than one hundred years 
and was filled with precious memories of the great chief- 
tain whose home it had been during the most trying, mem- 
orable days of the Revolutionary struggle. An Association 
was formed, and it was unanimously resolved to purchase 
the Headquarters, and a committee was named to nego- 
tiate for it. Six thousand dollars was named as the sum 
to be paid. With the hope of making the movement more 
successful, it was given into the hands of the ladies, and 
at the same time Mrs. Anna M. Holstein was elected 
Regent. Mrs. Holstein is now deceased, but the great 
work she accomplished in behalf of Valley Forge, and 
her earnest patriotism exhibited in many other ways, will 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 99 

make her memory dear to the hearts of all true patriots. 
The charter of the Mt. Vernon Association was taken as 
the model upon which this new Association should be 
framed, the court requiring such changes in it as the laws 
of Pennsylvania exacted. The Association started with 
dollar subscriptions, hoping to popularize the project and 
bring it within the reach of all. The Association also 
looked to the Masonic fraternity for substantial aid ; but, 
as an Order, it did not respond. The charter of the lodge 
which was started in the Headquarters while General 
Washington resided there was sent to the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania, it was said, but a short time before the 
Association was formed. 

PATRIOTIC ORDER SONS OE AMERICA ENLISTED. 

Persistent efforts were made to clear the 
property of encumbrance, but from the beginning, 
except among a few persons of patriotic impulses, very 
little interest was shown. The Association was regu- 
larly incorporated by the Courts of Montgomery 
county as "The Centennial and Memorial Association 
of Valley Forge," and held the title to the Washington 
Headquarters. The Patriotic Order Sons of America 
were enlisted in the movement in this way. The 
convention at Norristown, 1885, attracted the attention 
of the Association to the Order as being a patriotic 
one, eminently fitted for companionship in this work, and 
Camp 114, Pa., at Norristown, was appealed to, which 
Camp brought the subject to the attention of the direct 
representatives of the State Camp, and an official excur- 



100 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

sion was made to Valley Forge during the convention 
days at this time. Later on, during the administration of 
Henry J. Stager, State President, the State Executive 
Committee, consisting of the State President, State Vice 
President J. M. Cooper, State Master of Forms 
J, H. Dugan, State Secretary Wm. Weand and State 
Treasurer I. S. Smith, held a meeting at headquarters in 
January, and gave its unquaHfied endorsement of the 
patriotic project for the liquidation of the debt and 
interest, upward of three thousand four hundred dollars, 
then resting upon Washington's Headquarters at Valley 
Forge, and at once also resolved to give their fullest aid, 
support and official influence in the successful achieve- 
ment of the same. The said meeting was attended by Mrs. 
Anna M. Holstein, Regent, and Colonel Theo. W. Bean, 
of Camp 114, both of whom were zealous leaders in the 
movement already under way. The Executive Committee, 
in furtherance of this worthy enterprise, appealed to each 
Camp within its jurisdiction and asked the earnest and 
fraternal co-operation of all the members of the Order 
within the State and the Union. The State Executive 
Committee also requested that each Camp make special 
occasion of Washington's Birthday, February 22d, 1886, by 
public entertainment or otherwise, and devote the proceeds 
to the aforesaid purpose. The appeal was circulated 
January 19th, but was almost too late to accomplish much 
by February 22d, as first suggested; still, quite a number 
of Camps responded. April 13th an official letter from 
the State President was circulated among the Camps, 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE loi 

reviewing the worthy project, urging them to subscrip- 
tions and giving a Hst of contributors. And meanwhile 
each issue of the "Camp News," the official paper of the 
Order, edited and controlled by the State President, gave 
a detailed list of the subscribers to the fund and appealed 
by items and otherwise for a liberal response, and also at 
the same time published a lengthy serial, giving a complete 
and full history of the memorable winter encampment of 
1 777- 1 778, entitled "Footprints of the Revolution," by 
Colonel Theo. W. Bean, of Camp 114, Pa., which instruc- 
tive and highly interesting history was in process of 
publication for some months in this organ of the Order. 
Camps and members were appealed to, to aid in the imme- 
diate accomplishment of the work. July 26th the State 
Executive Committee issued a last paper. 

EARLIER EFFORTS 

Prior to the support of the object by the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, the ladies of the Association also 
appealed to patriotic women throughout the country, and 
by personal contributions, fetes and various entertain- 
ments, several thousand dollars were collected, and the 
property was regularly purchased for the sum of $6,000. 
The sum of $3,000 remained upon mortgage. The pur- 
chase included about one and a half acres of ground. The 
ladies leased the property to a tenant, but were unable 
to meet the interest payments upon the mortgage and 
keep the property in repair. It was feared that the mort- 
gage would have to be foreclosed and the property be 



102 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

lost. Finally, then, the Patriotic Order Sons of America 
came to the rescue, and inside of six months $3,370.98 
was collected from among the Subordinate Camps and 
the membership and devoted to the extinguishment of the 
mortgage debt, which was effectually cleaned up in this 
way. No money was at this time accepted from the State 
Treasury of the Order, as there was no necessity for it, 
although the State Convention of 1886 had agreed to 
make up whatever deficit there might be after the indi- 
vidual and Camp responses, then still under way, had 
been made. 

The first proposition held out in the matter of sub- 
scriptions by the Order was that the subscribers should 
become the holders of the mortgage, but later it was 
decided to accept stock in the Centennial and Memorial 
Association of Valley Forge, which was done, and there 
is now in the State Camp a permanent Trustee Committee 
holding the certificate, and which committee is also a part 
of the Directorship of the Association. A reorganization 
of the Board was also made, and the faithful women 
who had been instrumental in the first place in collecting 
funds were retained in the Directorate. 

The Pennsylvania State Camp of 1886, which assem- 
bled at Altoona, authorized the appointment of the 
Trustee Committee, consisting of thirteen members of 
the State Camp, which was appointed by the sitting State 
President by special order of the convention., as a mark 
of recognition of his efiforts during the year, and as a 
special honor, that he be included as one of the committee 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 103 

and as its Chairman. This committee was made up from 
brethren who had been active in the Valley Forge work 
in the Order, and to represent the various large districts 
in the State so far as practicable. 

STATE AID 

Later on, through the efforts of a special committee 
on behalf of the Association, the sum of $5000 was 
secured from the State Legislature of Pennsylvania, The 
Pennsylvania State Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, also contributed at various times the aggregate 
of $1400. For these amounts several additions were 
made to the original holding, and in 1887 a complete 
rehabilitation of the Old Headquarters was made, restor- 
ing the building to practically the same condition it was 
in when General Washington occupied the property. A 
warden's lodge was also erected on the premises, and the 
grounds generally beautified and adorned. 

OTHER PURCHASES 

In 1889 the Association purchased an additional acre 
and a half of ground on the south end of its property, 
which included in the property the site of the famous 
Camp Spring; $1200 was paid for the same. 

Several years later the adjoining west property of 
two acres was acquired for $3000, which gave to the 
original holding the Stone Barn, which is said to have 
been used as a Hospital during the Revolutionary encamp- 
ment, and which makes up about five acres in the present 
holding. 




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105 



Centennial and Memorial Association 
of Valley Forge 

An epitome of the business sessions of the Stockholders and 

Board of Directors, together with a full list of 

Directors as elected from year to year 



August nth, 1886. The first meeting of the 

Trustee Committee appointed at the Pennsylvania State 

Camp Convention, Patriotic Order Sons of America, also 

held this date at Altoona. Pennsylvania, to care for the 

funds raised within the Order during the past year, for 

the special object of completing the purchase of the 

Washington Headquarters at ^'alley Forge, under the 

following resolution, passed in the afternoon session : 

"Resolved, that the retiring State President, H. J. Stager, 
appoint a board of thirteen Trustees (including himself), of 
which he shall be chairman, from among the delegates to this 
State Camp from Subordinate Camps having contributed twenty- 
five dollars and upwards toward the Valley Forge fund for the 
purpose of developing a scheme for the management and disposi- 
tion of said fund," 

was held in the parlor of the Logan House this evening, 
the committee consisting of the following: Messrs. Rich- 
ard H. Koch, John H. Hofifer, Frank L. Murphy, Richard 
T. S. Hallowell, Irwin S. Smith. Wesley H. Schwartz, 
Henry A. Klock, M. D., S. Morret Helms, James K. 
Helms, *J. H. Dugan, Hudson R. Fleming, Freeland G. 
Hobson and Henry J. Stager. 

♦Absent. 



io6 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

A committee organization was effected. H. J. Stager 
was named as Chairman, F. L. Murphy as Secretary, and 
F. G. Hobson as Treasurer. A committee was also named 
(Messrs. Koch, Hobson and Murphy) to prepare rules to 
govern the Trustees, also to secure a proposition relative 
to securing the title to the Valley Forge Headquarters, 
and then after a general interchange of views relative to 
the trust committed to their care and the authorization 
of the issuance of a circular to non-contributors to aid in 
the completion of the fund necessary for use, the com- 
mittee adjourned to meet again at the call of the Chair, 



September 30th. A reunion of members of the 
Order from Bucks and Montgomery counties was held 
at Valley Forge this date. The gathering was a pleasing 
one and numbered several thousand, with a few brass 
bands to enliven the occasion with music. A programme 
in harmony with the patriotic occasion was duly carried 
out. R. T. S. Hallowell, H. J. Stager, F. L. Murphy and 
F. G. Hobson were present as members of the Trustee 
Committee and had an informal meeting with the Lady 
Regent of the Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein. It was agreed to 
call a meeting of the Trustee Committee in Philadelphia, 
November 9th, and later in the day to adjourn therefrom 
and unite in joint session with the Centennial and Memo- 
rial Association of Valley Forge, at 4 p. m., in Norris- 
town, to complete the work in hand, and to take definite 
action upon the question of satisfying the mortgage now 
resting upon the Headquarters at Valley Forge. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



107 



November gth. The Trustee Committee met in the 
Blue Room of the Pennsylvania State Camp building, 524 
North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, at this date, at 12 
o'clock noon. All present except Messrs. W. H. Schwartz 
and J. H. Dugan. 

The Chairman presented a report showing that our 
Valley Forge fund now aggregated $3,370.98. (A recent 
reunion of Lebanon County Camps held at Mt. Gretna 
had netted $458.62, which was included in the aggregate 
named.) 




GENERAL LAFAYETTE'S HEADQUARTERS 
Valley Forge, 1777-78 

The Charter of the Centennial and Memorial Asso- 
ciation of Valley Forge, as incorporated July 5th, 1878, 
was exhibited and read in detail. 

The Trustee Committee then agreed that the title 
to the Washington Headquarters property shall remain 



io8 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

in the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge ; that the mortgage debt of $3,000.00 now 
remaining upon the property, and all arrearages of 
interest on the said principal, shall be paid by the 
Trustee Committee, and stock in said Association at 
rate of one dollar per share shall be accepted in full for 
said mortgage payment and interest, which stock shall 
be issued to the Trustee Committee, their successors 
and assigns. 

Each of the said Trustees shall subscribe for one 
share of stock additional, thereby becoming individual 
Stockholders. Several of the Trustees were already 
Stockholders. This empowers the Trustees to act with 
the fullest measure of freedom and security in the 
premises. 

It was also proposed that the aforesaid Associa- 
tion be so organized in its ofificial department as to 
retain for the current year Mrs. Anna M. Holstein as 
Lady Regent, and to constitute the Chairman of the 
Trustee Committee as Vice-Chairman of the said Asso- 
ciation, with power to vote all of the stock issued by 
said Association to said Trustees under and subject 
to the direction of said Trustees. 

After the transaction of other incidental matters 
adjournment was made to reassemble at Norristown, 
at 4 p. m., in joint session with the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge. 



November gth. 4 p. m. The joint session, indi- 
cated in the meeting held at noon hour, the Trustee 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 109 

Committee, with the Centennial and Memorial Asso- 
ciation of Valley Forge, was held in the office of 
Attorney F. G. Hobson in Norristown. Mrs. Anna M. 
Holstein officiated as Presiding Officer, and F. L 
Murphy as Secretary. Messrs. Theodore W. Bean, 
F. G. Hobson, H. J. Stager and R. H. Koch were con- 
stituted as a committee on by-laws, which after delib- 
eration presented the following, which were duly 
adopted : 

1st. Name : — The Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge. 

2d. The Object. Set forth in the charter of said Associa- 
tion. 

3d. Annual meetings of the Stockholders of the Association 
shall be held on the 19th day of June at 2 p. m., at the Headquar- 
ters in Valley Forge. A majority of the Board of Directors may 
direct a special call. 

4th. The Officers of the Association shall consist of a Regent, 
two Vice Regents, a Secretary and a Treasurer to be elected an- 
nually, and shall be ex officio members of the Board of Directors. 

5th. A Board of Directors consisting of thirteen members 
shall be elected annually. 

6th. Seven persons shall constitute a quorum for the trans- 
action of business. 

The following officers were then duly elected : — 

1886. Regent, fMrs. Anna M. Holstein, 

Vice Regents, *H. J. Stager, fMrs. Helen C. Hooven, 

Treasurer, *F. G. Hobson, 

Secretary, *F. L. Murphy. 

Directors, fWilliam H. Holstein, *R. H. Koch, fTheo- 
dore W. Bean, *J. H. Hoflfer, fMrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *R. 
T. S. Hallowell, *Irwin S. Smith, *W. H. Schwartz, *H. A. 
Klock, M. D.; *S. M. Helms, *James K. Helms, *J. H. 
Dugan, *H. R. Fleming, 



•Represents Trustee Committee. 

tMembers of original Association. 

All present except Messrs. Dugan and Schwartz. 



no CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

It was agreed to limit the issue of new stock to one 
hundred shares after this date to the annual meeting 
in June, the stock subscribed for individually and the 
stock for the Trustee Committee to be issued as of this 
date. 




HEADQUARTERS OF GENERALS VARNUM AND DeKALB 
Valley Forge. 1777-78 

The Trustee fund of $3,370.98, new certificates of 
stock, $11.00, added to the Association balance of 
$87.40, made the sum total in the Treasurer's hands 
$3,469.38. Messrs. Koch, Bean, Hobson and Murphy 
were appointed a committee of four to draw up a bill 
asking the State Legislature of Pennsylvania for an 
appropriation to Valley Forge Headquarters. The 
Regent, Treasurer and Secretary were instructed to 
call in all outstanding books of certificates of stock 
and to report at the next annual meeting. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE m 

Mrs. Anna M. Holstein and Messrs. Bean and 
Hobson were also appointed as a Committee to confer 
with the Pennsylvania Historical Society relative to 
the purchase of additional ground to the Headquarters 
property. An order for $3,000.00 for payment of 
mortgage principal, and $368.91 interest, and $110.00 
back taxes, was drawn. Colonel Theodore W. Bean 
was appointed Solicitor, and then the meeting ad- 
journed to the call of the Regent. 



April 29th, 1887. Special session at Valley Forge 
Headquarters in the forenoon. Present, Messrs. Stager 
(Vice Regent), Hobson (Treasurer), Murphy (Secre- 
tary), Koch, Bean, Hofifer and Hallowell. 

Overtures for the purchase of additional ground 
in the rear of the present holding were made to Mr. 
Jones, owner, at $400.00 per acre, and declined ; the 
price asked was $800.00 per acre. Mr. Hobson was 
delegated to keep the matter in view, and with power 
to act upon this basis. 

Mr. Koch reported that the Pennsylvania State 
Legislature had granted an appropriation of $5,000.00, 
and the amount was now in the hands of the Treasurer. 

Up to date a tenant was occupying the Headquar- 
ters property, who was willing to vacate upon thirty 
days' notice. A committee of three to outline a plan 
for the improvement of the grounds and buildings was 
agreed upon, Messrs. Bean, Stager and Hallowell. 



112 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The improvements were limited to a cost of 
$2,500.00. 

A resolution asking the Philadelphia & Reading 
Railroad Company to remove the present station from 
the north to the south side of track was passed. No 
immediate attention was paid to this request, but the 
matter was acceded to about the year 1907, and the 
station so placed. Adjourned till 2.30 p. m. 

At the afternoon session, Regent, Mrs. Holstein ; 
Vice Regent, Mrs. Hooven; Mrs. Mclnnes and Mr. 
Holstein, Directors, were present in addition to those 
named at the morning session. Various relics se- 
cured by Mrs. Holstein (Regent) : Pewter meat dish, 
embroidered purse, Anthony Wayne snuff box, 
Washington camp chest, were presented to the Relic 
department proposed for the Headquarters. Also silver- 
plated forks by Mrs. James Hooven, and two table 
cloths, a spinning wheel with the date cut on it 1773, 
and six huck towels bought by the ladies of the Asso- 
ciation, and forty-eight bronze medals. The Treasurer 
reported total moneys received to date $8,541.63, 
expenditures $3,505.73, leaving the balance on hand 
$5,035.90; $3,478.91 of the amount expended being for 
mortgage, interest and back taxes already stated. 



June i8th (Saturday). The Stockholders' meeting 
this year was convened this date, the 19th falling upon 
Sunday. The meeting was held in the Valley Forge 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 113 

Headquarters as usual, in the first floor rear room used 
by General Washington as his office during the encamp- 
ment here. Plans for the improvement of the grounds 
and building were considered. An architect was em- 
ployed, to whom $100.00 was paid; $135.00 was paid 
for a new flag staff; 3609 votes were polled at the 
election of officers, 3600 of them having been voted 
by the Vice Regent. The officers chosen were as 
follows : 

1887. Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 

Vice Regents, *H. J. Stager, Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, 

Treasurer, *F. G. Hobson, 

Secretary, *F. L. Murphy. 

Directors, *WilliaiTi H. Holstein, R. H. Koch, *Theo- 
dore W. Bean, *J. H. Hoffer, Mrs. R. Mclnnes, R. T. S. 
Hallowell, *I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz, H. A. Kbck, M. 
D., *S. M. Helms, James K. Helms, *J. H. Dugan, H. R. 
Fleming. 

The Association then adjourned to meet at the 

call of the Regent. 



July 15th. A meeting of the Stockholders was held 
in Attorney Hobson's office in Norristown, this date> 
at 10 a. m. Directors present: Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. 
Mclnnes, Messrs. Stager, Hobson, Murphy, Koch, 
Bean, Hofifer, Hallowell, J. K. Helms and J. H. Dugan. 
A number of small bills were first considered and then 
the plans of the architect for renewing the building 
were discussed. The janitor recently employed, who 
was now also the tenant, was permitted to occupy the 



*Present at meeting. 



114 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

annex building and attic rooms of main building. In 
the afternoon the Auditing Committee reported, show- 
ing Treasurer's receipts total, and expenditures since 
reorganization November 9th, 1886: 

Old Association balance $87.40 

Certificates sold 3419-73 

Headquarters' rent 48.00 

Pennsylvania State appropriation 5000.00 

Sale of mementos 30.51 

Gate and house receipts 40.89 

$8626.53 
Expended 3704.68 

Cash balance in hand $4921.85 



Expended to cancel mortgage and interest, taxes and 

Court charges $3487.02 

Flag pole 13500 

Repairs 51.45 

Taxes, Printing, Seal, etc 3i-2i 

$3704.68 

In the matter of improvement it w^as agreed that 
the stone annex should be torn down and a log cabin 
be erected in place, to accord with the original condi- 
tion of the premises in Washington's time. Mr. R. T. 
S. Hallowell, a member of the Board and a carpenter, 
was entrusted with the entire work of rejuvenation, 
restoration and new building. $2500.00 of funds in 
hand was placed in the First National Bank of Leb- 
anon for one year at three per cent, interest, with 
permission of withdrawal after six months at two and 
a half per cent, interest. The Treasurer's bond v.as 
fixed at $4,000.00. The Committee having charge of 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 115 

the improvements were empowered to draw upon the 
treasury to the amount of one thousand dollars with- 
out further consideration. Adjourned to meet at the 
call of the Regent. 



September loth. A Directors' special meeting was 
held in Reading city, this date. The object was to 
consider the erection of a Warden's lodge. Those 
present were Messrs. Hobson, Holstein, Bean, HoflFer, 
HallowelL Smith, Helms, S. M., Helms, J. K. The 
discussion of a plan for the lodge resulted in a tie vote, 
and adjournment was then made till September 15th, 
to be held at 524 North Sixth street, Philadelphia. 



September 15th. An adjourned Directors' meeting 
was held in the Sons of America Building, 524 North 
Sixth Street. Present: Mr. and Mrs. Holstein, Messrs. 
Murphy, Bean, Hallowell, Smith, Helms, S. M., and 
Stager. The motion to erect a new lodge on the Head- 
quarters property was discussed at length, and then 
agreed to at a cost not to exceed $1500.00 for building. 
Adjourned to meet at the call of the Regent. 



November 2d. A meeting of the Directors was held 
at Valley Forge this date, in the Headquarters. Direc- 
tors present : Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. Mclnnes, Messrs. 
Murphy, Hobson, Holstein, Hallowell, Smith, Klock, 
Helms, S. M., and Stager. An additional $1150.00 was 
voted to the Committee on Improvements. The plan 



ii6 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

ior new lodge was further discussed, and $1100.00 was 
appropriated toward the cost thereof. A motion to locate 
the lodge in the right-hand corner of the lot facing the 
railroad was debated at length, and upon vote failed to 
■pass. A motion to locate it in the left-hand corner 
facing the creek prevailed. $1000.00 was ordered 
redrawn from the Lebanon bank. 



January i8th, 1888. A special meeting of the Asso- 
ciation was held at 2 p. m. in Norristown, in the office 
■of Attorney Hobson. Present : Regent, Mrs. A. M. 
-Holstein; Vice Regent, Helen C. Hooven; Treasurer, 
P. G. Hobson; Secretary, F. L. Murphy; and Directors 
Holstein, Bean, Mrs. Mclnnes, Hallowell, Smith. 
Helms, S. M. Mr. Hallowell, of the Committee on 
Improvements, reported the completion of repairs on 
the old Headquarters and that the new lodge is under 
roof. The estimate of entire cost of improvements 
and new buildings he put at $4600.00. It was agreed 
to withdraw the $1500.00 balance from the Lebanon 
bank for the payment of balance of bills contracted. 

Peter M. Emery, of Norristown, who had made a 
previous application for Warden or janitorship, was 
elected as such at this meeting, at a salary of $25.00 
per month, beginning April ist next, and free rent of 
new lodge. His duties were to look after and care for 
the old Headquarters, to watch its every interest, to 
supervise the ground and care for it in every way, and 
to pay due attention to visitors, to receive the registration 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



"7 



fees, and to pay the same over to the Treasurer at the 
end of each month, and such other matters as may be 
required of him from time to time. It was agreed 
that upon the final account of the cost and completion 
of all the improvements and additions to the old Head- 
quarters, the new lodge and grounds, a circular show- 
ing the same be printed and copies sent to all the 




LORD STIRLING'S HEADQUARTERS 
Valley Forge, 1777-78 

Subordinate Camps of the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, in this State, and soliciting their continued 
interest and help in carrying on this patriotic work. 

On motion of Mrs. Mclnnes the old Committee on 
State Appropriation, which succeeded in securing the 



ii8 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

$50(X).oo appropriation from the State Legislature 
(and by the very material help of Hon. Wm. D. Heeb- 
ner, a member of the House, and Samuel A, Losch, 
then Chief Clerk of the Legislature, and A. D Fetter- 
olf, an assistant clerk of that body, both of whom later 
on became members of this Board), Messrs. Koch, Bean. 
Hobson and Murphy were reappointed a Committee 
to draft a bill asking Congress to appropriate $25,000.00 
for the Washington Headquarters project, having in 
view the extension of its property line to include other 
historic plots of the Revolutionary Camp ground, as yet 
uncared for by either State or National government. 
At the meeting held in April following, it was reported 
that a bill covering the foregoing had been prepared 
and presented in Congress and had passed the Senate 
by a unanimous vote. 

At the adjourned meeting held July nth, 1889, the 
subject of $25,000.00 appropriation by Congress was 
further urged, and the Committee revised by the ap- 
pointment of Messrs. Bean, Koch and Hobson. Later 
a special committee of three was appointed to visit 
Washington in interest of the foregoing bill. Messrs. 
Koch, Bean and Kenney were named. (J. R. Kenney, 
Mayor of Reading, and at that time also State Presi- 
dent P. O. S. of A.) At the meeting held June 19th, 
1890, Messrs. Koch and Kenney gave an account of 
their visit, full of glowing expectations, but the efforts 
made were unavailing. 

The Regent was instructed to issue a circular in 
April to the public, calling attention to the opening of 



ASvSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 119 

the rejuvenated Headquarters, and a Revolutionary 
Relic department therein, for which we solicit con- 
tributions of antique furniture and articles of the Colo- 
nial period. Adjourned to meet at the call of the 
Regent. 

April loth. A special meeting of the Directors was 
held at the Headquarters in Valley Forge at request 
of the Regent. Present: Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. Mclnnes, 
Messrs. Stager, Hobson, Holstein, Koch and Hallo- 
well. A report from the Committee on Improvements 
was heard and acted upon. Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. Mc- 
lnnes and Mr. Hobson were appointed to have special 
supervision of the grounds. 



June i8th. The regular annual meeting for Stock- 
holders was called this date, and held in the Head- 
quarters at Valley Forge. Various articles of furniture 
for deposit at Headquarters were received. Engravings 
and paintings tendered were also considered. The 
election of officers and Directors resulted as follows : 
1888. Regent, *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 
Vice Regents, *H. J. Stager, Helen C. Hooven, 
Treasurer, F. G. Hobson, 
Secretary, *F. L. Murphy, 

Directors, *William H. Holstein, R. H. Koch, *T. W. 
Bean, J. H. Hoffer, *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *R. T. S. Hal- 
lowell, L S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz, H. A. Klock, M. D., 
S. M. Helms, J. K. Helms, *J. H. Dugan, H. R. Fleming. 

3608 votes were polled for each officer elected, 
including 3600 as proxies held by the Vice. Regent in 

trust. 



•Present at meeting. 



120 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The Treasurer reported the cash in hand during 
the year $7901.55, which included the balance of 
$4921.85, at beginning of year, $2500.00 withdrawn from 
Lebanon bank, and balance in registration fees and 
other receipts at Headquarters, etc. The expenses were 
$7698.29, including over $4600.00 paid out for improve- 
ments, new buildings, etc., and $300.00 for Warden's 
salary; $2500.00 deposited, etc., leaving the balance in 
hand $203.26. 



November 22d. A special meeting of the Direc- 
tors was held this afternoon at the ofifice of Attorney 
Hobson in Norristown, in pursuance of a call issued by 
order of the Regent. Present, Mrs. Holstein, Messrs. 
Stager, Hobson, Murphy, Holstein, Hallowell and J. 
K. Helms. The object of the meeting was to consider 
the ofifer of a painting, "Washington and his staff at 
Valley Forge," made by J. G. Craig, Jr., of Philadel- 
phia, for $3000.00, to be made up by the sale of three 
hundred included etchings at $10.00 each, the painting 
then to be free to the Association. The picture was 
said to be a good one, but the proposition was not ac- 
cepted, as the Board did not see its way clear to sell 
the three hundred etchings at price named. 

The Treasurer reported the receipt of one hundred 
dollars from the Pennsylvania State Camp, P. O. S. 
of A., as a special donation. It was agreed that the 
Headquarters and Lodge should be insured. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 121 

June i8th, 1889. At the hour appointed by the by- 
laws for the annual meeting of Stockholders of the 
Association the following persons were present at the 
Headquarters in Valley Forge : Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. 
Mclnnes, William H. Holstein and T. W. Bean. There 
was no quorum and it was agreed to adjourn until 
Thursday, July nth, at 2 p. m. 



July nth. An adjourned meeting of Stockholders 
of the Association was called to order at Headquarters 
in Valley Forge at 2 p. m. Election of Directors was 
made the first order of business and resulted : 
1889. Regent, *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 

Fice Regents, *H. J. Stager, Helen C. Hooven, 
Secretary, *R. T. S. Hallowell, 
Treasurer, *F. G. Hobson, 

Directors, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *William H. Hol- 
stein, *T. W. Bean, *R. H. Koch, *J. H. Hoffer, I. S. Smith, 
W. H. Schwartz, Dr. H. A. Klock, S. M. Helms, J. K. 
Helms, J. H. Dugan, H. R. Fleming, fRichard Peterson. 

The Treasurer's report showed $535.76 as receipts 
for the year, including balance at beginning of year; 
expenditures as $475.64, and balance $60.12. 

The Vice Regent, Stager, presented an oil painting 
of large size (about 4x5 framed), "Washington Cross- 
ing the Delaware," on behalf of the National Camp of 
the Patriotic Order Sons of America. The painting 
was offered the National Camp at sale by a member 
from Chicago to the Washington, D. C, convention in 
June, 1889, and was purchased by a voluntary collec- 
tion at said meeting, and then ordered to be presented 
to this Association. 



*Members present. fNew member in place of F. L. Murphy, 
dropped. 



122 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

A Revolutionary musket from Philip C. Hess, of 
Philadelphia, and other relics of that period were also 
presented at this meeting. 



At the Directors' meeting which followed that of 
the Stockholders, it was made known that the Head- 
quarters buildings were insured in the Montgomery 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company for $3000.00, and the 
Treasurer was requested to have the Lodge insured 
for $1000.00 additional. This was afterward consum- 
mated for five years in the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance 
Company of Philadelphia. 

A committee was appointed to solicit from the 
Pennsylvania State Camp, P. O. S. of A., an appro- 
priation of $300.00. This was done at the Convention 
held in August, and $450.00 was granted and reported 
at the meeting of the Directors held in December. 

A renewed effort to secure the Jones property, at 
rear of our present holding, was made and a special 
committee appointed to attend to the same. This com- 
mittee reported at the meeting held March 28th, fol- 
lowing, that the owner had now agreed to sell the 
adjoining strip of ground for $1200.00. Upon this part 
of the ground the spring of water used by the Head- 
quarters during the Revolutionary encampment was 
located. It was agreed to accept the same, mortgage 
to be given for funds necessary to complete the 
purchase. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 123 

December 19th. A special meeting- of the Directors 
was held at Norristown on the afternoon of this date, 
in the office of Attorney Hobson. Present, Mrs. Hoi 
stein, Messrs. Stager, Hallowell, Hobson, Holstein and 
Smith. The committee to secure the Jones property 
reported $1500.00 was asked for the same. They had 
offered $1200.00, but it was not accepted. It was agreed 
to have the wood remaining from the old Headquarters, 
taken from the old building in making place for new 
improvements, and have it made up into gavels, sleeve 
buttons, etc., and placed on sale at the Headquarters. 



March 14th, 1890. A special meeting of the Board 
of Directors was held in the Blue Room, Sons of America 
Building, Philadelphia, this date. Present : Mrs. Holstein, 
Mrs. Mclnnes, Messrs. Stager, Hallowell, Bean, Holstein 
and Helms, J. K. 

The object of the meeting was to consider a plan 
proposed by Colonel Theodore W. Bean to purchase the 
entire encampment ground at Valley Forge, at a cost of 
about $100,000.00, and unite it with our present holding. 
The idea in view was to raise the amount by a bond 
subscription of $150,000.00 at three per cent, interest, sub- 
scriptions to be limited to the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America. After a long discussion it was agreed to present 
the subject at a future meeting when there would more 
likely be a full attendance than appeared at this meeting. 

Other matters relating to the betterment of Head- 
quarters' condition were presented, but there was no 
specific action. 



124 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

It was agreed to adjourn to meet at Reading, Pa., 
March 28th. 



March 28th. An adjourned meeting of the Board 
was held in the parlors of the American House, Reading, 
at II a. m. Present: Messrs. Hobson, Stager, Hallowell, 
Koch, Bean, HofTer, Smith, Helms, S. M., Helms, J. K. 
State President, P. O. S. of A., James R. Kenney, resident 
of Reading, was also present by invitation. The plan to 
purchase the entire Revolutionary encampment ground 
proposed at last meeting was again taken up and consid- 
ered at length, but no decisive action was taken. In the 
afternoon the meeting was resumed in the parlor of the 
"Social Union of Camp 89, Pa." 

The strip of land in the rear of the present Head- 
quarters' holding, owned by Nathan Jones, was again re- 
ported could be had for $1,200.00, and the tender was 
accepted and ground purchased in due time. 

The Committee on purchase of land was instructed 
to secure terms for the purchase of the strip also lying 
between the Headquarters property and the P. & R. R. 
property, if sale would be made. 

The Secretary was instructed to present a code of 
by-laws for the government of the Association, to be 
presented for action at the next annual meeting of Stock- 
holders. 



June igth. The annual meeting of the Stockholders 
was held in the Headquarters at Valley Forge at 2 p. m. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



125 



The Treasurer's report showed the receipts for the 
year ending this date as $661.08, including the small bal- 
ance at beginning of term, and $450.00 received from the 
Pennsylvania State Camp, P. O. S. of A. The expenses 
in same time were $671.73, which included the Warden's 
salary, $300.00, and $371.00 general expenses, including 
deposit on land purchase, taxes and repairs, made within 
the year. This left a deposit of $10.55 i" the treasury. 




GENERAL HUNTINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS 
Valley Forge, 1777-78 

The new by-laws which Secretary Hallowell was in- 
structed to present for consideration at this meeting were 
read and acted upon seriatim. The new by-laws were 
more full than those adopted at the meeting held Novem- 
ber 9th, 1886. The old laws were incorporated in the new 
code. ^Eighteen Directors were provided for (instead of 
thirteen), from whom the officers should be elected. The 
same officers were continued, and they were also consti- 
tuted an Executive Committee who shall have direct 
management during interval of meetings and supervision 



♦Increased to twenty-ooe in 1895. 



126 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

of Headquarters and grounds. It was provided that three 
members of the Board of Directors should be sufficient 
to authorize a call for a special meeting of the Board. A 
final clause showing how amendments to the by-law? 
could be made was also included. With these additions 
and more specific rules as to stock purchases, meetings, 
etc., all the old laws were re-enacted, and this new code 
remains in force up to application for dissolution. Election 
of eighteen Directors, under the new law, resulted : 

1890. *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, *Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, 
*Mrs. R. Mclnnes, Messrs. *H. J. Stager, *F. G. Hobson, *R. T. 
S. Hallowell, *William H. Holstein, R. H. Koch, *Theodore W. 
Bean, *John H. Hoffer, *I. S. Smith, *Dr. H. A. Klock, W. H. 
Schwartz, *S. M. Helms, J. K. Helms, *H. R. Fleming, J. H. 
Dugan, *Richard Peterson. 



At the meeting of the Directors, held subsequently, 
the following officers were re-elected : 

Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 

Vice Regents, H. J. Stager, Helen C. Hooven, 

Secretary, R. T. S. Hallowell, 

Treasurer, F. G. Hobson. 

The committee on purchase of land reported the 
consummation of Jones' tract of ground in rear of pres- 
ent holding. $100.00 cash was paid, and a mortgage of 
$1,100.00 made upon all the property to pay for same. 



September i8th. A special meeting of the Board 
of Directors was held in the Headquarters at Valley 
Forge this afternoon. Directors present : Mrs. Holstein, 
Messrs. Stager, Hobson, Hallowell, Holstein, Koch, Hof- 
fer, Smith, Fleming, Dugan and Peterson. 



♦Present at meeting. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 127 

A committee appointed to devise a plan to raise 
funds, recommended the issuance of 25,000 shares of 
stock, at one dollar per share, which was agreed upon. 
A suggestion to create an advisory board, consisting of per- 
sons or associations who would contribute $100.00 in stock 
who should be duly notified of all meetings, and with 
privilege of speech thereat, but no vote, was considered. 
It failed to pass. The death of the Warden, Peter M. 
Emery, was made known to the Board. He had died 
August 4th. He was a faithful and satisfactory employee. 
His family were continued in charge of the Headquarters 
until the end of the year. The new lot of ground just 
acquired was graded to conform with the original hold- 
ing, the fence extended around it, and fifty-two trees 
planted, all to correspond with the main tract. 

June 19th, 1891. A meeting of the Board of Direc- 
tors at Headquarters in Valley Forge preceded the meet- 
ing of Stockholders, this date, to hear the report of the 
Executive Committee. The constitution of this commit- 
tee was considered a good move, since it aided much in 
the simplification and efficiency of the necessary work in 
hand, and obviating the necessity of so many meetings of 
the Board of Directors. One was called during the inter- 
val of past year, while before that four and five meetings 
were called. The meetings of the committee were called 
at Headquarters at Valley Forge, each three months, 
quarterly. 

In pursuance of the instruction Si the Directors' 
meeting, held September i8th, an effort was made to 



128 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

secure stock subscriptions within the Patriotic Order Sons 
of America. New certificates were prepared, new stock 
book opened, and explanatory circulars sent out. Two 
hundred and twenty-eight shares were subscribed for, all 
in Pennsylvania excepting eighteen shares. Rules for 
the guidance of the Warden were adopted. The use of 
the grounds for picnic purposes was permitted. 

*Ellis R. Hampton was elected as Warden and be- 
gan his duties April ist. His family occupied the Lodge 
at that date, and he continued in this service with his 
family up to the time the property was assumed by the 
Valley Forge Park Commission, giving entire satisfac- 
tion to the Association as a competent and efficient 
caretaker. 

The registered admissions to the old Headquarters 
within the year (visitors to the Mansion were taxed ten 
cents each to help make up a fund to care for the place) 
aggregated 2,714, but this does not include all who visited 
the grounds ; that number was placed at over ten thou- 
sand. 

Richard Peterson, a Director, presented a garrison 
flag for use on the 100-foot flag-pole. 

A crane bearing date 1763 was received and placed in 
position in the kitchen fireplace. 



The annual meeting of the Stockholders was held 
at 2 p. m. The Treasurer reported the receipts during the 
year as $1,114.17, which included $500.00 received from 

*Ellls R. Hampton contiuuecl as caretaker of the Headquarters 
property under the State Park Commission until his death, May 19th, 
1910. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 129 

the Pennsylvania State Camp, P. O. S. of A. The expen- 
ditures on account of new ground purchase, taxes, Ward- 
en's salary, fences, repairs and some incidentals, aggre- 
gated $906.02, leaving the balance in hand $208.15. After 
some routine business was transacted and the hearing of 
sub-reports, the following-named Board of Directors was 
elected for the new year: 

1891. *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, *Mrs. 
R. Mclnnes, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallowell, 
*W. H. Holstein, R. H. Koch, J. H. Hoffer, *I. S. Smith, W. H. 
Schwartz, Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, J. K. Helms, *J. H. 
Dugan, H. R. Fleming, *R. Peterson, fWilliam Weand. 

Three thousand six hundred and thirteen shares of 
stock were voted at this election. 

The meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors 
followed and the same officers of last year were re-elected 
for the ensuing year. 

The death of Director Colonel Theodore W. Bean 
was officially announced at this meeting. He was one of 
the original members of the Association, dating back to 
1878, and an Incorporator, and to his particular efforts is 
greatly due the present excellent standing of the Associa- 
tion. He was always ready for duty, and was almost 
invariably present at the meetings. His loss was severely 
felt in the directory. During the Civil War, Colonel Bean 
was a member of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry and 
rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by gallant and 



♦Unofficial record of those present at the meeting. 
fTook place of Colonel Theodore W. Bean, died January 20th, 1891. 



130 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

meritorious service. He was a prominent attorney in the 
county of Montgomery and for several years represented 
it in the Pennsylvania State Legislature. 



A second meeting of the Board of Directors was 
held at this date and place at 3 o'clock p. m. Those 
present were Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. Mclnnes, Messrs. 
Stager, Hobson, Hallowell, Holstein, Smith, S. M. Helms, 
Dugan, Peterson. 

Regent Mrs. Holstein read the copy for a proposed 
pamphlet, descriptive of Valley Forge, and it was agreed 
to have one thousand copies printed, and placed on sale at 
Headquarters as a matter of revenue. 

The placing of a stone on the west bank of the 
Schuylkill river to show the Washington crossing was dis- 
cussed, and the Executive Committee was instructed to 
have the same attended to. 

A seal was adopted at this meeting. It included upon 
its face a picture of the Headquarters, with the words 
below, "Chartered July 15, 1878, Penna.," and the name 
"Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge" 
in circle around outer edge. 



June 20th, 1892. The Stockholders' annual meeting 
was held this date at 2 p. m. (Monday) in the Headquar- 
ters at Valley Forge. The Executive Committee reported 
to the Board that four meetings had been held by it within 
the year. The Headquarters and grounds were found to 
be in good condition' and no immediate improvements were 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 131 

necessary. The number of registered visitors within the 
year was 3,270. During the year thirteen permits were 
granted for picnic parties. Twenty-five stocic subscrip- 
tions were reported and some few articles were presented 
to the ReHc department, including a set of forty framed 
portraits from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 
being a chronological portraiture of Washington, 1772 to 
1798. The Treasurer reported $665.07 as receipts for the 
year. One-half represented admission fees to the Mansion 
and the balance was derived from the sale of mementos. 
$582.23 was expended, over one-half for Warden's salary, 
and the balance for interest upon mortgage, taxes, repairs 
and minor incidentals, leaving the balance in hand $291.99. 
The matter of an adjoining property of about one and 
one-half acres, together with a residence and stone barn, 
the latter said to have been erected before the days of the 
Revolution, and used as a hospital by the Continental 
Army during the memorable winter encampment here, 
was introduced at this meeting. This property, known as 
the Crawford property, was presented to the notice of the 
Association by Vice Regent Stager as being in the market 
for sale. A recess was taken to examine the property, and 
thereafter the Vice Regent was duly authorized to secure 
the terms of sale from Lieutenant Crawford, the owner 
of the property. The election of Directors resulted : 

1892. *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, *Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, 
*Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes. *H. J. Stager, *F. G. Hobson, *R. T. 
S. Hallowell, *WiIliam H. Holstein, R. H. Koch, J. H. Hoffer, 
I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz. Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, 
J. K. Helms, J. H. Dugan, H. R. Fleming, Richard Peterson, 
*William Weand. 



♦Present at meeting. 



132 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

A motion was passed at this meeting that the Direc- 
tors be notified that faikire to attend the meetings for 
two consecutive years would be considered equivalent to 
a withdrawal. 



At the meeting of the Directors held at a later hour, 
after that of the Stockholders, the same officers as elected 
at the last annual meeting were re-elected for the new 
year. 



November 26th. A special meeting of the Board of 
Directors was called at this date at the office of Treasurer 
Hobson, in Norristown. Present: Mrs. Holstein, Mrs. 
Mclnnes, Messrs. Hobson, Hallowell, Holstein, Koch and 
S. M. Helms. The object of this meeting was to consider 
the purchase of a forty-acre tract of land, adjoining the 
present holding. The Treasurer was authorized to make 
an offer of $6,000.00 for the same, also $800.00 limit for 
an eight-acre plot, including a stone barn. It was agreed 
also to memorialize the Pennsylvania State Legislature 
for an appropriation of $10,000.00, and a committee was 
appointed to look after the same. Messrs. Koch, Hobson 
and S. M. Helms were named. 



June 19th, 1893. The annual meeting of the Stock- 
holders of the Association was held this date in the Head- 
quarters at Valley Forge. The Treasurer's accounts 
showed receipts as $1,751.63, which included $700.00 as 
loan, and balance represented Headquarters receipts 
within the year. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 133 

The expenditures were $1,731.59, and this also in- 
cluded property purchase account, $1,030.45 ; the balance 
of expenses being for Warden's salary, large lots of sup- 
plies, kept on hand for sale, leaving the cash balance in 
hand, together with that at beginning of year, $312.03. 
The annual election of Board of Directors resulted: 

1893. Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, *Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, *Mrs. 
Rebecca Mclnnes, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. Hobson, *R. T. S. Hal- 
lowell, *W. H. Holstein, R. H. Koch, J. H. Hoffer, *I. S. Smith, W. 
H. Schwartz, *Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, t*J. K. Helms, 
J. H. Dugan, H. R. Fleming, Richard Peterson, *William Weand. 

Director J, K. Helms later on in the meeting tendered 
his resignation as a member of the Board, having served 
continuously with it since April, 1886. He also asked that 
Hon. Samuel A. Losch be elected in his stead. The resig- 
nation was accepted, and the Stockholders tendered the 
retiring member a vote of thanks for the very satisfactory 
manner in which he had attended to all the duties of the 
office that came upon him. He was thoroughly interested 
with the work in hand, and was always ready to do his 
best on all occasions. The Board greatly regretted the loss 
of this active member, but the retiring Director was then 
in extremely ill health, and died within five weeks there- 
after, July 23d, 1893. Director Helms was a gallant sol- 
dier during the Civil War ; enlisting as a private, he arose 
to the rank of Captain for meritorious service. He was 
wounded at the battle of Petersburg, from which he suf- 



♦Members present at meeting. 

tResigned and permitted to name his successor, Samuel A. Losch, 
who was duly elected in place. 



134 



CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 



fered for the balance of his Hfe. He stood high in the 
ranks of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and had 
served as Pennsylvania State President and as National 
President. 

The Executive Committee had reported at a meeting 
of the Board of Directors held prior to the hour of Stock- 
holders' meeting. Four quarterly meetings were held. The 
registered visitors at Headquarters during the year were 
4,329. Ten picnic parties were permitted the use of the 




GENERAL WOODFORD'S HEADQUARTERS 
Valley Forge. 1777-78 

grounds. A visiting Post of the Grand Army of the 
Republic from Marblehead, Mass., were granted free 
admission to the Headquarters. 

A meeting of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania 
and the Sons of the Revolution was held at Headquarters, 
October 17th. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 135 

Full settlement was made for the lot of ground pur- 
chased one year ago, estate of Nathan Jones, deceased. 
This was done by effecting a loan of $700.00, which loan 
represents the entire debt of the Association at the present 
date. No stock had been sold during the past year and 
very little from this date on. 

Director Mrs. Mclnnes had charge of the designing 
of a special Valley Forge souvenir spoon, which was 
placed upon sale in the Headquarters, and appeared to 
be much appreciated by visitors. 

The most important addition to the relics made 
within the year was a large cannon received from the 
Navy Department, aided by the efforts of Congressman 
Edwin Hallowell. 



A meeting of the Board of Directors followed that 
of the Stockholders, and all the Directors present thereat 
were also present at this meeting, and the same officers 
as of record for last year were again re-elected for the 
ensuing year. 

The Committee on Legislative Appropriation reported 
that a bill had been passed by the Legislature appropriat- 
ing $5,000.00 to this Association, but as yet had not been 
finally approved by the Governor. Later on the bill was 
vetoed by Governor Robert E. Pattison. 

A further report was made upon the Crawford tract 
offered for sale at the meeting held June 20th, 1892, and 
reported at previous meeting, and the Executive Commit- 



136 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

tee was duly empowered to accept and consummate 
purchase of same upon favorable terms. 

The same committee was also instructed to notify the 
new State Park Commission that they were privileged 
to use the Headquarters for meeting purposes whenever 
necessary. This new Valley Forge Park Commission was 
just constituted by act of the Pennsylvania State Legis- 
lature, May 30th, 1893. 

In November of this year one hundred new shade 
trees were added to the Headquarters ground at a cost 
of $75.00. The proposition to supply these trees was left 
to various dealers in the culture, and the contract 
awarded to the lowest bidder. 



June 19th, 1894, A meeting of the Board of Di- 
rectors preceded the annual meeting of the Stockholders 
at Headquarters in Valley Forge, of this date, at which 
the report of the Executive Committee was presented. It 
referred to the fact that one hundred new trees, as 
directed at last annual meeting, were planted within the 
past year upon the rear lawn. Five picnic permits were 
issued within the year. The registered visitors were 4,457. 

Pursuant to instruction, the purchase of adjoining 
side property, known as the Crawford property, including 
a stone house and stone barn, was consummated for 
$3,000.00, but owing to some delays the deed was not 
recorded until June 6th, 1894. 

Two meetings of the Executive Committee were 
held at Headquarters in Valley Forge, and one in Phila- 
delphia. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 137 

Among the articles presented within the year to the 
Relic department was a cannon ball found in the Valley 
Forge intrenchments by Mr. George W. Pauling. Also a 
fac-simile of the Declaration of Independence, presented 
by the Department of State, Washington, at the sugges- 
tion of F. D. Stone, Librarian of the Historical Society 
of Pennsylvania. Also from the same Department, 
"Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolu- 
tion," six volumes ; "Bulletin of the Bureau of Rolls and 
Library," two volumes. 



The Stockholders' meeting was called to order at 2 
p. m. The Treasurer reported $3,033.10, which included 
balance at beginning of term, and $1,900.00 loan, the re- 
mainder representing the Headquarters' receipts as over 
$800.00. The expenses were $2,898.84, of which $2,100.00 
were credited to property purchase, $300.00 to Warden's 
salary, and balance to purchase of supplies, taxes and 
insurance; balance in Treasury, $134.26. 

A proposition to increase the number of Directors to 
twenty-five was brought forward, but action was post- 
poned until the next annual meeting. 

The annual election for Directors resulted as follows : 
1894. Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, *Mrs. 
Rebecca Mclnnes, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallo- 
well, *W. H. Holstein, R. H. Koch, John H. Hoffer, *I. S. Smith, 
W. H. Schwartz, Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, H. R Fleming-, 
♦William Weand, S. A. Losch, f James H. Wolfe, fFred Berto- 
lette. 



•Members present at meetings of this date. 

tNew members, in place of Ricliard Peterson, died December 12th, 
1893; J. H. Dugan, withdrawn. 



138 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

3428 shares of stock were represented in the vote 
cast. 

Director Richard Peterson died December 12th, 1893. 
He was an earnest, patriotic citizen, ever anxious for the 
best interest of the Nation. He was chosen as a Director 
of this Association in 1889, and was faithful in his 
service. He was National President of the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, 1883-1885. 



At a meeting of the Board of Directors held at a 
later hour, the officers elected for ensuing year were the 
same as last year by re-election. At this meeting the sub- 
ject of the new Park Commission recently created by the 
State for the purchase of the Valley Forge camp ground 
and its improvement as a public park was considered. It 
was stated that an object of the Commissioners was the 
annexing of the Headquarters property to their control. 
This the Board of Directors prepared to dispute. They 
resolved to maintain the control of the Headquarters and 
to resist the Park Commission from securing any legis- 
lation by the State looking to the condemnation of the 
same. Messrs. Hobson, Koch. Wolfe, Bertolette and 
Losch were appointed a committee to petition the State 
Legislature for a special appropriation of $5,000.00. 



June 19th, 1895. The meeting of the Board of Direc- 
tors preceded the meeting of the Stockholders at the 
Headquarters in \"alley Forge, this date, when the fifth 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE i39 

annual report of the Executive Committee was presented. 
Two meetings of said committee were held at these Head- 
quarters and two at Norristown within the year. The 
record of registered visitors during the year was 4,778. 
Additional articles were presented to the Relic depart- 
ment, including a single bedstead formerly the property 
of Mr. Charles Thompson, first Secretary of the Conti- 
nental Congress, by Mr. David Kenzie. Chinaware with 
picture of Headquarters thereon was placed on sale with 
the Warden. 

The Crawford residence was rented to a tenant at 
$8.00 per month. The present indebtedness of the Asso- 
ciation consists of a mortgage upon the Crawford tract 
of $2,000.00, and a judgment note held by the Norristown 
Trust Company of $1,500.00. All other debts of the 
Association are paid. 



The Stockholders held their annual meeting at 2 p. m. 
The Treasurer's report presented : Balance of previous 
year, $134.26; Headquarters and rent receipts, $902.46: 
total, $1,036.72. Expended for Warden's salary, supplies, 
purchases, interests, taxes and repairs, $880.35, leaving 
the balance in treasury, $156.37. 

The rule adopted in 1892 in regard to absence of 
Directors for two consecutive meetings as being equivalent 
to withdrawal, was rescinded. 

A proposition to increase the number of Directors 
introduced at a previous meeting was taken up. Twenty- 
five was not favorably received, but it was agreed to make 
the number twenty-one, including the ofificers. 



140 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

3387 shares of stock were voted at the election and 
the following new Board was chosen : 

1895. *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, 
=^Mrs. R. Mclnnes, *H. J. Stager, F. G. Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallo- 
well, R. H. Koch, J. H. Hoffer, I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz, 
*Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, *H. R. Fleming, *William 
Weand, *S. A. Losch, *J. H. Wolfe, *Fred Bertolette, fC. F. Huth, 
fF. P. Spiese, f Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, fW. G. Rhule. 

Director William H. Holstein died August 9th, 
1894. He was one of the Incorporators of this Asso- 
ciation ; he was a soldier and served a brief enlistment 
during the Civil War. He was the husband of the 
Regent and was most highly esteemed by his associates 
for his many excellent qualities as a good citizen and 
patriot. 

A portrait of Dr. Bodo Otto, a surgeon of the Revo- 
lutionary Army from 1775 to the close of the war, was 
presented to the Association by Mr. C. W. Otto, a 
descendant, and hung upon the wall of the main room. 

The newly elected Board of Directors, at a meeting 
held after the Stockholders' meeting, re-elected the same 
officers and Executive Committee as of last and previous 
years. 

June 19th, 1896. At the meeting of the Board of 
Directors, held in the Headquarters at Valley Forge, this 
date, the sixth annual report of the Executive Committee 
was received. During the year three meetings were held 



♦Those present. tNew elections. Board increased from eighteen 
to twenty-one. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 141 

at the Headquarters. At the re-election of the Warden it 
was agreed to allow him five per cent, on sales of souve- 
nirs made at Headquarters, in addition to his monthly 
salary. 

The number of registered visitors during the year 
was 5,731. Nine permits were given for the use of the 
grounds for picnic purposes. 

During a storm early in the spring the upper section 
of the flag-pole, together with the cross-trees, was blown 
down, necessitating the putting up of a new pole, etc. 
Necessary repairs were also made to the Crawford prop- 
erty, which was leased to a new party at $9.00 per month. 
Additional articles were added to the list of relics, includ- 
ing paper currency, bullets, bedstead and fireplace utensils. 

$200.00 was paid within the year on account of the 
note due Norristown Trust Company, leaving balance 
of $1,300.00. 



The annual Stockholders' meeting took place at 2 
p. m. 

The Treasurer reported $1,279.47 as the receipts for 
the year, after deducting the balance left over from last 
year, $156.37. The expenditures were $1,442.09, and in- 
cluded nearly $400.00 to Warden, about $300.00 interest 
and note payments, and balance purchase of supplies and 
other incidentals, leaving a balance due the Treasurer at 
the end of term of $6.25. 

The election of Directors for the ensuing year re- 
sulted as follows: 



142 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

1896. *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, *Mrs. 
Rebecca Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. 
Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallowell, *R. H. Koch, *J. H. Hoffer, *I. S. 
Smith, W. H. Schwartz, Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, H. R. 
Fleming, *William Weand, S. A. Losch, *James H. Wolfe, *Fred 
Bertolette, *F. P. Spiese, fMrs. Charlotte Pendleton, fA. D 
Fetterolf. 

At the later meeting of the Board of Directors the 
same officers and Executive Committee as of last year 
were again re-elected without objection. 

Reference was made at this meeting to a Peale diary 
kept during the encampment at Valley Forge, and it was 
suggested that the same should be printed if found of 
value. A committee of five, consisting of Messrs. Koch, 
Bertolette, Spiese, Helms and Losch, was appointed 
to memorialize the State Legislature for an appropriation 
of $10,000.00. 



June igth, 1897. -^s usual, the annual meeting of 
the Stockholders was preceded by the meeting of the 
Board of Directors at this date, in the Headquarters 
mansion in Valley Forge, at which the report of the 
Executive Committee was presented, as its seventh annual 
report. 

The total number of registered visitors at Head- 
quarters during the year was 6347. During the same 
time three permits were granted for the use of the 
grounds by picnic parties. 



♦Present at meeting. C. F. Iluth and William G. Rhnle. elected 
last year, failed to qualify, and were therefore not renominated. 
tNew members. 



ASvSOCIATlON OF VALLEY FORGE 143 

Soon after the annual Stockholders' meeting in 1896 
the remaining part of the flag-pole at Headquarters was 
blown down during a storm, having rotted off under the 
surface of the ground. At the session of the State Camp 
of Pennsylvania, P. O. S. of A., to whom the matter had 
been presented, in the annual Trustee Committee report 
made each year of the progress of affairs at Valley Forge 
Headquarters, that body very generously voted an appro- 
priation of two hundred and fifty dollars to erect a new 
flag-pole, which was consummated at a cost of $225.82. 

The party who last year had leased the Crawford 
property threw up the same, and a new tenant had been 
secured for the summer at $10.00 per month. Three 
hundred dollars was paid within the year on the judg- 
ment note held by the Norristown Trust Company, and 
this leaves the present indebtedness of $1000.00 upon 
note, and $2000.00 mortgage, or a total of $3000.00. 

A few more relics were presented to the Head- 
quarters within the year. The Legislative Committee 
reported that no effort had been made to secure an 
appropriation, as the time was not considered opportune. 
A committee to petition Montgomery county for exonera- 
tion from taxes on the Headquarters property was 
appointed, but no such exemption was secured. 



The annual meeting of the Stockholders occurred 
at 2 p. m., and with the exception of reading the minutes 
of the last meeting, and the hearing of the Directors' 
report, and the Treasurer's usual financial exhibit, there 



144 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

was no business transacted except the election of Direc- 
tors. The Treasurer reported receipts of $1447.62 for 
the year, including $250.00 appropriation by the State 
Camp of Pennsylvania, P. O. S. of A., and $1542.82 
expended, which included a payment of $398.00 note, in- 
terest and taxes, $350.00 or over to the Warden, and 
balance was expended for the purchase of souvenir sup- 
plies, and repairs, leaving the treasury in debt $95.20. 
The election of Directors resulted : 

1897. *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, 
*Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. Hobson, *R. T. S. 
Hallowell, R. H. Koch, *I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz, *Dr. H. 
A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, *H. R. Fleming, *William Weand, *S. 
A. Losch, *J. H. Wolfe, Fred Bertolette, *F. P. Spiese, A. D 
Fetterolf, fDr. P. N. K. Schwenk, fF. E. Stees, fMrs. Amanda 
K. Mathews. 

Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, late Vice Regent, died Janu- 
ary nth, 1897. She was one of the Incorporators of this 
Association, and for many years rendered valuable serv- 
ices in behalf of Valley Forge work. She v/as highly 
esteemed for her many virtues and for her zeal in 
patriotic work. 

A meeting of the Board of Directors which followed 
that of the Stockholders, in the election of officers, 
Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes was elected as a Vice Regent to 
take the place of Mrs. Helen C. Hooven, deceased, and 
also as a member of the Executive Committee, otherwise 
the Board of Officers as elected June 19th, 1890, remained 
the same. 



•Directors present at meetings of this date. 

tNew Directors, to take place of J. H. Hoffler and Mrs. Charlotte 
Pendleton, dropped. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 145 

June 20th, 1898. (Monday.) The annual meeting 
of the Stockholders was held in the Headquarters this 
date. Contrary to usual precedent, the meeting of the 
Stockholders was held first, and at which nearly all the 
Directors were present as usual, the Officers and Execu- 
tive Committee made their reports hereat, as appears by 
the records of the Secretary. 

The Treasurer's reports show as receipts for year 
$1256.19, being Headquarters souvenir sales, registry fees 
and rentals. The expenses were $1165.06 for interest, 
taxes, repairs, souvenir supplies, $100.00 note payment 
and Warden's salary and commission, leaving the balance 
in the treasury $91.13. 

The report, of the Executive Committee showed the 
admissions for the year 6597. Six permits were granted 
for use of grounds for picnic purposes. One hundred^ 
dollars had been paid upon the outstanding note, which 
reduces the indebtedness at this date to $2900.00. 

On Flag Day, June 14th, a flag was presented to 
this Association by the Montgomery County Camps of 
the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the same was 
raised with appropriate ceremonies upon the lawn pole. 

The annual election for Directors resulted : 

1898. *Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, 
*Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Mrs. Amanda K. Mathews, *H. J. Stager, 
♦F. G. Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallowell, *R. H. Koch, I. S. Smith, W. 
H. Schwartz, Dr. H. A. Klock, S. M. Helms, H. R. Fleming,. * Wil- 
liam Weand, *Samuel A. Losch, *James H. Wolfe, *Fred Berto- 
lette, *F. P. Spiese, *A. D Fetterolf, *Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, 
*F. E Stees. 



♦Present at meeting'. ITnofflcial record. 



146 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The Treasurer reported that the owner of the Craw- 
ford property mortgage desired its payment, snd it was 
ordered to be paid off with a new mortgage effected with 
another party. 



At a meeting of the Board of Directors held after 
that of the Stockholders, the following officers were 
elected : 

Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 
Vice Regents, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, H. J. Stager, 
Secretary, R. T. S. Hallowell, 
Treasurer, F. G. Hobson, 

Executive Committee, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. 
Rebecca Mclnnes, Mrs. Amanda K. Mathews, F. G. Hobson, 
R. T. S. Hallowell. 

The Secretary was instructed to communicate with 
the Governors of the thirteen original States, asking 
them each to contribute a tree to represent the State, the 
trees to be planted in a circle in the Headquarters grounds 
on Arbor Day. 

As on several occasions in the past years, a generous 
luncheon had been provided on the lawn, at each meeting 
of the Stockholders, by the Valley Forge Chapter, Daugh- 
ters of the Revolution, and to which the Directors were 
cordially invited and had partaken, a vote of thanks was 
again extended for this marked kindness and courtesy. 



June 19th, 1899. At this date of the annual meet- 
ing of the Centennial and Memorial Association of \^alley 
Forge, the Board of Directors' meeting preceded that of 
the Stockholders. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 147 

The Treasurer's reports for the year showed the 
actual receipts to be $1190.38, made up from souvenir 
sales, registry fees, and rentals. The expenses were 
$996.10 for interest, taxes, repairs, souvenir supplies, and 
$100.00 note payment and Warden's salary, leaving the 
balance in the treasury at this date $194.28. The Treas- 
urer's figures for the year showed the receipt of $2000.00 
upon a new mortgage made, and $2000.00 expended upon 
payment of old mortgage, which was ordered paid ofif at 
the last annual meeting. 

A model schoolhouse, used on a float in the Peace 
Jubilee Parade of 1898 by the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, in the great Philadelphia street parade, was 
presented to the Association. The house, of fair dimen- 
sions, 10x12, with yard allowance extra, was brought 
subsequently to the Headquarters, and re-erected in the 
rear of the Warden's House, and remained here up to 
about 1905, when it was torn down. 



The Stockholders' meeting took place at 2 p. m., 

and the following Directors were formally re-elected : 

1899. fMrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, 
fMrs. Mary Bean Jones, Mrs. Amanda K. Mathews, *H. J. 
Stager, *F. G. Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallowell, *R. H. Koch, *I. S. 
Smith, W. H. Schwartz, *Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, *H. R. 
Fleming, *William Weand, fS. A. Losch, James H. Wolfe, *Fred 
Bertolette, *F. P. Spiese, *A. D Fetterolf, *Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, 
*F. E. Stees. 



♦Present at meetings this date. 
tAbsent by reason of illness. 



148 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

At the Director's meeting thereafter the following 
officers were elected : 

Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 

Vice Regents, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, H. J. Stager, 
Secretary, R. T. S. Hallowell, 
Treasurer, F. G. Hobson, 

Executive Committee, Mrs. A. M. Holstein, Mrs. R. 
Mclnnes, F. G. Hobson, H. J. Stager and R. T. S. Hallowell. 



June 19th, 1900. The annual meeting of the Stock- 
holders of the Association took place at the Headquarters 
in Valley Forge, at 2 o'clock p. m. The report of the 
Treasurer showed the receipts, exclusive of balance at 
end of last year, as $1393.81, souvenir sales, registry fees 
and rental. The expenses, $1481.90, items thereof about 
same as heretofore and including $600.00 payment on 
note, leaving cash balance in the Treasury of $106.19. 

The election for Directors was then formally made, 

and as usual there was no opposition to any one. This 

was the case all along from date of organization in 1887 

np to 1908, at which time the Stockholders' meeting 

failed to make new elections to supply further vacancies 

created by death of officials : 

1900. Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Mrs. 
Mary Bean Jones, *Mrs. Isaac W. Smith, H. J. Stager, F. G. 
Hobson, R. T. S. Hallowell, R. H. Koch, I. S. Smith, W. H. 
Schwartz, Dr. H. A. Klock, S. M. Helms, H. R. Fleming, Wil- 
liam Weand, Samuel A. Losch, James H. Wolfe, Fred Berto- 
lette, F. P. Spiese, A. D Fetterolf, Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, F. E. 
Stees. 



•New member, in place of Director Mrs. A. K. Mathews, dropped 
No record of attendance at this 1900 meeting, but minutes infer 
presence of Mrs. Mclnnes, Mrs. Jones. Messrs. Smith, Wolfe. Spiese, 
Schwartz, Schwenk, Weand, Helms. Hobson, Hallowell and Stager. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



149 



A meeting of the Board of Directors was held at a 
later hour, and then the following officers were elected : 

Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 

Vicv Regents, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, H. J. Stager, 

Secretary, R. T. S. Hallowell, 

Treasurer, F. G. Hobson, 

Executive Committee, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, Mrs. 
R. Mclrnes, F. G. Hobson, H. J. Stager and R. T. S. 
Hallowell. 




VALLEY FORGE CHAPTER, D. A. R. 
Room in Washington's Headquarters 

A written report was presented by the Executive 
Committee which referred to the routine duties of the 
year, and set forth that the mansion grounds and adjoin- 
ing holdings were all in good shape and condition as 
heretofore. 



ISO CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Valley Forge Chapter, Daughters of the American 
Revolution, asked permission to furnish one of the 
second-story rooms of the Headquarters building with 
Colonial furniture, and to be under their care. It was 
granted. 

References were made to the apparent indications 
prevailing am.ong the officials of this State, and particu- 
larly at the State Capitol, that the work of the Centennial 
and Memorial Association, and of the Patriotic Order 
Sons of America aid in preserving the old Headquarters 
Mansion was not properly accredited. Remarks were 
exchanged upon the subject, and the views of the Direc- 
tors were in accord, and the Executive Committee was 
authorized to prepare a historical sketch, setting forth 
the facts attending the care of the Headquarters, which 
should be published. This the Committee attended to. 
A number were distributed free, and others placed upon 
sale at the Headquarters. It was presented to the Direc- 
tors that several Revolutionary cannon were buried at 
Warwick Furnace, and a committee of three, Messrs. 
Weand, Smith and Helms, were appointed to look into 
the matter, but there is no record of final report, except 
at several later meetings as "progress." 



June 19th, 1901. The annual meeting of the Stock- 
holders was held at the Headquarters in Valley Forge, 
at this date, at 2 p. m. 

The Treasurer reported $1492.35 receipts for the 
year, made up from sales of souvenirs, registry fees, 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 15 r 

rentals, and $100.00 received from the Pennsylvania State 
Camp, P. O. S. of A. The expenses in the same time 
were $1598.54, which included about $400.00 tor repairs, 
$200.00 in returned loan, and balance made up in pur- 
chase of souvenir supplies. Warden's salary, taxes and 
interest, leaving the balance in hand $25.52. 

The Executive Committee reported the registry ad- 
missions at Headquarters at 7287 last year. The election 
for Board of Directors resulted as follows : 

1901. Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Mrs. 
I. W. Smith, fMrs. Mary K. Preston, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. Hob- 
son, *R. T. S. Hallowell, R. H. Koch, L S. Smith, *W. H. 
Schwartz. Dr. H. A. Klock, S. M. Helms, *H. R. Fleming, Wil- 
liam Weand, *James H. Wolfe, F. Bertolette, *F. P. Spiese, 
A. D Fetterolf, *Dr P. N. K. Schwenk, F. E. Stees, fj- M. 
Stauffer. 

All the Directors-elect had received votes represent- 
ing 3670 shares of stock. Five votes were also recorded 
for Mr. J. H. Hughes, Philadelphia, as Director. 

The deaths of the Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 
and of Director Samuel A. Losch were officially an- 
nounced at this meeting, and. as in the case of deaths oc- 
curring heretofore in the Board. Committees on Obituary 
were appointed, who presented appropriate memorials 
setting forth the services so zealously, efficiently and 



*No cfflcial record of full roll call, but these names appear in the 
minutes, and are therefore marked present. 

tNew Directors elected. Death of the Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Hol- 
stein, December 31st, 1900, and also of r>irector S. A. Losch, Septem- 
ber 11th, 1900. 



152 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

patriotically rendered in the work, and this tribute was 
ordered to be spread upon the record, and copies printed 
upon satin to be sent to the nearest relatives. 

In the record of the Regent, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 
wife of Director William H. Holstein, deceased, it was 
stated that her whole life was devoted to patriotic work 
and to the cause of humanity, and to her long continued 
and indefatigable efforts was due, in very large measure, 
the formation of the Centennial and Memorial Associa- 
tion of Valley Forge, and she was Regent thereof from 
the date of its organization up to the date of her death. 

Director Samuel A. Losch served throughout the 
Civil War in the Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
was commissioned for meritorious services in the field. 
He served as a member of both Houses of the Pennsyl- 
vania State Legislature, as Chief Clerk of the State De- 
partment under Governors Hartranft and Hoyt, and as 
Secretary of the Territory of New Mexico from 1884 
to iSSs. 



At a meeting of the Board of Directors held after 
that of the Stockholders the following ofHcers were 
elected : 

Regent, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, 

Vice Regents, H. J. Stager, Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, 

Secretary, R. T. S. Hallowell, 

Treasurer, F. G. Hobson, 

Executive Committee, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Mrs. 
Mary Bean Jones, H. J. Stager, F. G. Hobson, R. T. S. 
Hallowell. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 153 

A vote of thanks was extended to Dr. P. N. K. 
Schwenk, Director, for donation of Colonial bedstead, 
antique clock, candlestick, watch, spectacles and snuffers. 
Also to Valley Forge Chapter, Daughters of American 
Revolution, for furnishing an upper room in the Head- 
quarters mansion. 



June 19th, 1902. The annual meeting of the Stock- 
holders, this date, was called to order at 2 p. m. at the 
Headquarters in Valley Forge. 

The Treasurer's report was heard and presented the 
receipts for the year as $1590.95, including a loan of 
$200.00, otherwise the items of receipts were composed 
of registry fees, souvenir sales, and rental. The ex- 
penses were $1590.38, and included the repayment of 
$400.00 loan, and otherwise the disbursements were about 
the same as previous years, leaving the balance in the 
treasury $26.09. 

The election for Directors resulted : 

1902. *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, 
*Mrs. I. W. Smith, *Mrs. M. K. Preston, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. 
Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallowell, *R. H. Koch, I. S. Smith, *W. H. 
Schwartz, *S. M. Helms, Dr. H. A. Klock, H. R. Fleming, *Wil- 
liam Weand, *J. H. Wolfe, *F. Bertolette, *F. P. Spiese, *A. D 
Fetterolf, *Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, *F. E. Stees, *J. M. Stauffer. 

At a meeting of the Board of Directors at a later 
hour the same officers as of last year were re-elected 
for the new year term. 

The report of the Executive Committee presented 
that the number of registered visitors last year was 7519. 



'Those present at meetiugs of this date. 



IS4 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

A number of interesting relics were loaned to the 
Association by Mr. Alvin J. Shaw and placed upon ex- 
hibition in the building. 

Chester County Chapter, Daughters of the American 
Revolution, made application for an upper room in the 
Headquarters, to be fitted up the same as that now in use 
by the Valley Forge Chapter. After some discussion the 
petition was granted, although there were several dis- 
senting votes among the Directors. 

It was agreed that a suitable gold badge should be 
provided for each Director to designate his or her stand- 
ing in the Association, and a Committee was appointed 
to carry out the order. 

June 19th, 1903. At this date a meeting of the 
Board of Directors preceded the annual meeting of the 
Stockholders, at the Headquarters Building, in Valley 
Forge, when the report of the Executive Committee 
was heard. The registered visitors during the year 
were 8578. 

A room on the second floor of the Building was 
assigned to the use of the Chester County Chapter, 
D. A. R., and was now occupied. 

Other matters relative to repainting of the Building, 
done within the year, and other improvement of the 
property were referred to and passed upon. The badge 
committee reported progress and was continued. 

A request was received from Merion Chapter, 
D. A. R., for permission to furnish one of the attic rooms 
in the Headquarters, similar to that of the \'alley Forge 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 155 

■Chapter and Chester County Chapter, both on the second 
floor. There was some objection to further occupancy 
of the Building, and a spirited discussion ensued, but the 
privilege was granted by a vote of eight in favor to five 
-opposed. 

It was ordered that a copy of the Mrs. Anna Morris 
Holstein obituary resolutions, printed on satin, should 
"be properly framed and hung in the Headquarters. 

A razor said to be guaranteed to have been used by 
General Washington was offered for sale to the Associa- 
tion, but upon vote it was declined. 



The annual meeting of the Stockholders was called 
to order at 2 p. m. 

The Treasurer's report for the year was: Receipts 
-at Headquarters, .$1734.70, being considerable of an 
increase over past years, and the expenditures $1331.36,. 
for the usual items of supplies. Warden's salary, interest 
and taxes, leaving the balance in hand $42943. 

The Directors elected were : 

1903. *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Mrs. 
I. W. Smith, *Mrs. Mary K. Preston. *H. J. Stager, *F. G.' Hob- 
son, *R. T. S. Hallowell, R. H. Koch, I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz. 
Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, H. R. Fleming, *Wilh'am Weand, 
*James H. Wolfe, *Fred Bertolette, F. P. Spiese, *A. D. Fetterolf, 
*Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, *F. E. Stees, *J. M. Stauffer. 

At the subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors, 
also held this date, the same officers as of record last year 



♦Those present at meetings of this date. 



156 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

were re-elected for the nev/ year term. A proposition 
to increase the Board of Directors from twenty-one to 
twenty-five was entered upon the record. 



June i8th, 1904. A meeting of the Board of Oi- 
rectors preceded the annual meeting of the Stockholders 
at the Headquarters in Valley Forge this date. 

The report of the Executive Committee presented 
that there were 11,825 registered visitors at the Head- 
quarters during the year, an increase of over three 
thousand of previous year. Other routine matters con- 
nected with the Headquarters were also shown in equally 
favorable light. 

The attic room granted to the use of Merion Chap- 
ter, D. A. R., was represented as partly furnished and 
would soon be complete. 

The Secretary presented that the obituary resolu- 
tions, pertaining to the decease of Mrs. Anna M. Hol- 
stein, late Regent, were framed and hung upon the office 
walls of this building, as ordered. 



The meeting of the Stockholders was called to order 
at 2 p. m. 

The Treasurer reported the receipts of the year 
$2984.96 (exclusive of balance $429.43 at end of last 
year), but $700.00 thereof was a loan. The various 
items of revenue show increase over past years. The 
expenses were $3358.12, and showed the usual items in 
disbursements, with slight increase; Warden, $406.51 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE iS7 

salary and commissions, and $2000.00 used to remove 
the mortgage obligation, and for which the loan of 
$700.00 referred to in receipts of the year was made 
necessary. The cash balance in treasury at the end of 
year was $56.27. 

The amendment proposed at the last meeting to the 
by-laws to increase the number of Directors from twenty- 
one to twenty-five was rejected by a unanimous vote. 

The Directors elected for the ensuing year : 

1904. *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, *Mrs 
Mary K. Preston, fMrs. Philander C. Knox, H. J. Stager, *F 
G. Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallowell, R. H. Koch, *I. S. Smith, *W 
H. Schwartz, Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, *H. R. Fleming 
*William Weand, James H. Wolfe, Fred Bertolette, *F. P 
Spiese, *A. D Fetterolf, Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, *F. E. Stees 
*]. M. Stauffer. 

The Directors' meeting, which was held after that 
of the Stockholders, elected the same officials as of 
record in previous year. 

A motion was made at this meeting that hereafter 
the actual and necessary expenses of the members of 
this Board in attending the annual meetings shall be 
paid from funds of the Association, but after consider- 
able discussion the motion was lost. Up to this date 
about forty meetings had been called, regular and special, 
with an average expense to each member of one to 
fifteen dollars, or an approximate or aggregate expendi- 
ture for railroad travel of not less than $2500.00, yet 



•Present at meeting. 

tNew member. Mrs. I. W. Smith dropped. Absence of both Vice 
Regents was duly explained as illness. 



158 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

not one penny of the funds of the Association had been 
used in this way. 

A cannon ball from the Germantown battlefield was 
presented to the Relic department by Philip C. Hess, now 
deceased. 



June 19th, 1905. A meeting of the Board of 
Directors preceded the annual meeting of the Stock- 
holders this date, in the Headquarters at Valley Forge. 

The Executive Committee presented the annual re- 
port, showing the registered admissions at Headquarters 
within the year as 12,187. 

The Committee on Badge reported the completion 
of the same, and the distribution thereof to each one 
entitled. The design of the badge is a gold shield. 
United States regulation pattern, measuring one and one- 
eighth inch in width by one and one-half inch in longest 
part, with one-quarter inch blue enamel band, containing 
thirteen stars in embossed gold, edging the large shield ; 
one-half of inner portion of shield being a raised centre 
shield with picture of Headquarters in relief, the name 
"Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge" 
also embossed at top ; the whole pendent with tricolor 
ribbon to gold bar with name "Washington Headquarters" 
embossed thereon. On the back of the shield appear the 
name of the holder and name of office held. The cost 
of badge was $12.50 each. Those who received the 
badge are : 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 159 

Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Regent ; Henry J. Stager, First Vice 
Regent ; Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Second Vice Regent ; Freeland 
G. Hobson, Treasurer; Richard T. S. Hallowell, Secretary; Mrs. 
Mary K. Preston, Director; Richard H. Koch, Director; Irwin 
S. Smith, Director ; W. H. Schwartz, Director ; Dr. H. A. Klock, 
Director ; Samuel M. Hehns, Director ; Hudson R. Fleming, Di- 
rector ; William Weand, Director ; James H. Wolfe, Director ; 
Fred Bertolette, Director; Frank P. Spiese, Director; A. D 
Fetterolf, Director; Dr. Peter N. K. Schwenk, Director; J. Mil- 
ton Stauffer, Director; Abraham S. Brendle, Director; J. H. 
Dugan. 

Also to deceased members' representatives : 

Col. Theodore W. Bean, Director; Capt. James K. Helms, 
Director; Major Samuel A. Losch, Director; Frederick E. Stees, 
Director. 

Later on badges were also furnished to Directors 

Miss Mary Mclnnes and J. Harry Hughes, upon their 

addition to the Board in 1906. 



At 2 p. m. the meeting of the Stockholders was 
called to order. The Treasurer presented receipts at 
Headquarters in usual items increased in aggregate to 
$2329.33, and the expenses $2345.64, which included the 
repayment of note and interest $417.21, over $600.00 for 
repairs, over $400.00 to Warden for services, and 
balance in purchase of souvenir supplies, members' 
badges, and incidentals, and this left the balance in the 
treasury $39.96. 

Election of Directors at this meeting resulted : 

1905. *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, *Mrs. 
Mary K. Preston, Mrs. Philander C. Knox, *H. J. Stager, *F. G. 
Hobson, *R. T. S. Hallowell, *R. H. Koch, *I. S. Smith, *W. H. 
Schwartz, *Dr. H. A. Klock, *S. M. Helms, *H. R. Fleming, 
*William Weand, James H. Wolfe, *Fred Bertolette, *F. P. Spiese, 
A. D Fetterolf, *Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, *J. M. Stauffer, fA. S.' 
Brendle. 



•Those recorded present at meetings held this date. 
tNew member. Director F. E. Stees died April 19th, 1905. 



i6o CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Director Frederick E. Stees and ex-Director William 
G. Rhule died during the month of April, 1905. Both 
were earnest patriotic workers for many years; both had 
served their country on the field of battle during the 
great civil strife, and stood high in the estimation of 
their fellow men. Each had been honored by the 
Patriotic Order Sons of America, the latter as State 
President in Pennsylvania, 1874-75 ; and the former 
also as State President, 1869-70, and later as National 
President, 1875-77, and at the date of his decease he was 
National Secretary. 



At the meeting of the Directors held immediately 
after the adjournment of the Stockholders, the same 
officers as of record last year were again re-elected for 
the new year. 

At this meeting announcement was made by Treas- 
urer Hobson that he had been notified by the Valley 
Forge Park Commission that they proposed to condemn 
the Headquarters property owned by this Association, 
and take possession of the same for the Park Commis- 
sion, and that a committee of the Park Commission were 
in waiting here to confer with the Association. Messrs. 
Brumbaugh, Woodside and Jenkins were then intro- 
duced as the Park Commission committee. They stated 
that a recent act of the Legislature had given them 
power to condemn the Headquarters for the use of the 
Park Commission, and they proposed to institute 
proceedings at once, but they w^ould like to make a 
friendly agreement with the Association as to the price 
to be paid. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE i6[ 

This action of the Legislature came as a surprise 
to the Association. The original Act creating the Park 
Commission, giving it the power to condemn property 
for the use of the Park Commission, had especially ex- 
empted the Washington Headquarters as owned by the 
Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge. 
The same Act was subsequently taken up anew, and the 
exemption clause stricken out and the Act then re-enacted. 
The Association did not consider it had been fairly 
treated by the State. The revision of the Act was not 
known of by the Directors or others active in this Asso- 
ciation. 

After the committee had retired the question of 
surrender of the property was further considered, and 
it was resolved to contest the same as far as possible. 

A committee to confer with the Park Commission 
representatives was appointed, consisting of Mrs. Re- 
becca Mclnnes, Messrs. Hobson, Koch, Spiese and Berto- 
lette, with instruction to fix the price at not less than 
$25,000.00, or if possible, and as preference, to retain 
the property. 

This is the record of the last meetings of the Board 
of Directors and of the Stockholders held in the old 
Headquarters. Use of the building for meeting pur- 
poses was denied by the Park Commission, which came 
into possession of the premises in October of this year. 



August 8th. A special meeting of the Board of 
Directors was held at the ofhce of Treasurer Hobson, 
in Norristown, Pa., at 3 p. m. this date. 



i62 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Those present were : Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Messrs, 
H. J. Stager, F. G. Hobson, R. T. S. Hallowell, R. H. 
Koch, S. M. Helms, James H. Wolfe, and J. M. Stauffer. 

The Committee appointed at last meeting to confer 
with the representatives of the Park Commission as to 
condemnation proceedings reported that the Commission 
had refused to accept our proposition, and that a jury 
of view had been appointed to assess the damage and 
that the Commission proposed to take possession of the 
Headquarters property on August 15th, 1905. The 
Committee therefore recommended that a Bill in Equity 
be filed to restrain the Park Commission from this action. 
After some discussion the recommendation of the Com- 
mittee was unanimously adopted. 

The officers of the Association were duly authorized 
to sign the necessary papers and also give bonds required 
in carrying out this action. Messrs. Koch, Hobson and 
Bertolette, Directors, and Attorneys at Law, were em- 
powered to act for the Association. 



November i6th. A special meeting of the Board 
of Directors was held at Norristown this date, in the 
office of Attorney Hobson at 11 a. m. Members pres- 
ent : Mrs. Mclnnes, Mrs. Jones, Messrs. Stager, Hobson, 
Koch, Hallowell, Helms, Wolfe, Fleming, Spiese and 
Bertolette. 

The object of the meeting was to take into consider- 
ation the acceptance of the award of the Jury of View 
lately made in the matter of sale of Valley Forge Head- 
quarters property. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 163 

The report of the attorneys acting in our interest 
in opposing the condemnation of the Headquarters was 
presented in writing, and, as it reviews the whole pro- 
cedure to date, is herewith added in full : 

"We, the undersigned, to whom has been committed the mat- 
ter of opposing the efforts of the Valley Forge Park Commission 
to take all the real estate of said Association, beg leave to sub- 
mit the following report : 

"The Park Commission, having by resolution condemned 
all the real estate of said Association, applied to the Courts of 
Montgomery county for the appointment of viewers to assess 
the damages. Subsequently to such appointment, but before the 
viewers had viewed the premises, we prepared a bill in equity to 
restrain said Commission from further proceeding in the matter. 
The Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery county, to whom the 
said bill was presented, granted a rule on said Commission to 
show cause why a writ of preliminary injunction should not issue 
against said Commission. In due course, argument was had on 
both sides before said Court, and after due consideration the in- 
junction was denied this Association. A copy of the bill of com- 
plaint, together with a copy of our brief and of the Court's opin- 
ion, are herewith filed with the Secretary of the Association. 

"Upon mature reflection we deemed it not advisable to press 
the equity proceedings any further ; and, therefore, took no appeal 
to a higher Court. Because we considered, first, that we had done 
all that the Directors and Stockholders would have us do, and, 
secondl3% the cost of such appeal and the prospect of future legis- 
lation, calculated to overcome all legal difficulties in the way of 
the State's acquisition of the property, constrained us to deem 
an appeal unwarranted. Before the appeal could be finally de- 
cided in the court of last resort, which in this case would be the 
Supreme Court of the United States, the Legislature of this 
State could enact a law which would anticipate a decision favor- 
able to this Association and thus would render our efforts ulti- 
mately futile. 

"Subsequent to the Court's refusal to restrain the Commis- 
sion by writ of injunction, the viewers held numerous meetings 
to view the premises, hear the testimony of many witnesses and 



i64 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

the arguments of counsel for respective sides. The total valuation 
of the premises v^^as variously estimated by the w^itnesses from 
$11,440 up to $50,000. The fact that the original total cost of our 
entire property, amounting to $17,163, included the appropriation 
of $5000, in cash, w^hich was paid to the Association by the State 
of Pennsylvania, together w^ith the fact that our annual receipts 
from visitors at Washington's Headquarters have very largely 
increased since the State has acquired and improved much of the 
encampment grounds of the Continental Army under the com- 
mand of General Washington at Valley Forge, very greatly in- 
fluenced the judgment of many witnesses as to the amount that 
the State should now be required to pay to the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge for its entire property. 

"After proper hearing, the viewers awarded the Association 
the sum of $18,000, in damages. Neither side to the controversy 
is obliged to accept the conclusion of the viewers. Each can 
appeal and thereby put the matter in the hands of a jury of twelve 
men in the Court of Common Pleas for determination and as- 
sessment. Of course, we can give no assurance, not even a guess, 
as to how much more or less than $18,000, such a jury might 
find in this Association's favor. It is, therefore, wholly for you 
to determine now whether an appeal shall be taken, and this 
matter is respectfully referred to you for further instructions." 

The question of the acceptance of the award was 
discussed at length, and finally the following preamble 
and resolutions were offered by Director Koch : 

Whereas, In the opinion of the Committee, the condemna- 
tion by the Valley Forge Park Commission have divested the 
title of this Association in Washington's Headquarters and have 
vested the title in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; and 

Whereas, We are not disposed to further proceed in the mat- 
ter of assessing damages, but are desirous of having some memo- 
rial in the form of a tablet commemorating the part taken by the 
Association in the preservation of Washington's Headquarters; 
therefore be it 

Resolved, That the report of the Committee be accepted and 
approved, and the Committee be and are thereby authorized to 
accept the award of $18,000.00 rather than take an appeal, upon 
condition that this Association be permitted to place a tablet in 
Washington's Headquarters, commemorating the part taken by 
this Association in the preservation of said Headquarters. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 165 

A vote to adopt the same resulted in ten yeas to 
one nay. 

On motion of Director Hobson, it was agreed to 
accept $200.00 from the Park Commission for the per- 
sonal property of the Association now at the Head- 
quarters. This consisted in part of an old-style clock, 
a cherry side table and bookcase, sofas, chairs, books, pic- 
tures, an oil painting, "Washington Crossing the Dela- 
ware," etc., and largely of souvenir supplies held for sale 
at the Headquarters, books, photos, silver spoons, orna- 
ments, etc. 

It was also agreed that the present legal committee 
be continued to act as counsel for this Association, and 
that it prepare proper papers looking toward the disso- 
lution of this Association and the distribution of its 
assets. 

The Treasurer was instructed to liquidate the $300.00 
note yet outstanding, this being the only obligation of the 
Association unpaid at this date. 



February 12th, 1906. A special meeting of the 
Board of Directors was held this date in Philadelphia, 
in Parlor C, Continental Hotel, at 10 a. m. 

The death of Treasurer Freeland G. Hobson, the 
filling of vacancies in the Board, and matters incidental 
to the present standing of the Association, were made the 
call for this meeting. 

The vacancy in the Treasuryship was first consid- 
ered, and Director Frank P. Spiese and Secretary R. T. 



i66 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

S. Hallowell were nominated, and after ballot Director 
F. P. Spiese was declared formally elected. An opinion 
was expressed that it was not consistent with law that 
the same person should hold the office of Director and 
Treasurer at one and the same time, although no objec- 
tion was offered to that condition up to the date of death 
of the last official. Mr. Spiese tendered his resignation 
as a Director and it was accepted. 

This left a vacancy of two in the Board of Directors, 
v/hereupon Miss Mary Mclnnes, Norristown, and J. 
Harry Hughes. Philadelphia, were duly elected by the 
usual formal ballot. 

A report was heard from the committee in the 
matter of dissolution, and thereafter the question of dis- 
solving was referred to the annual meeting of Stock- 
holders to be held in June next, and that public notice 
of said proposed action be given and also personal notice 
as far as possible. 

In the matter of tablet it was also reported that a 
plan for the same had been prepared, but that the Park 
Commission had refused to allow the same to be erected 
in the Headquarters building. Action thereon was de- 
ferred until the annual meeting in June. 

A communication was read from the family of our 
late Treasurer, expressing their thanks and appreciation 
of floral emblem sent by the Board at the date of funeral. 
A committee on obituary resolution on the death of 
Treasurer F. G. Hobson was appointed at this meeting. 

Directors H. R. Fleming and James H. Wolfe were 
added to the legal committee as designated at meeting 
held November i6th last. 



ASvSOCIATlON OF VALLEY FORGE 167 

A committee to audit the accounts of the late Treas- 
urer was named. Those present at this meeting were : 

Mrs. Rebecca Mclniies, Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Miss Mary 
Mclnnes, H. J. Stager, R. T. S. Hallowell. R. H. Koch, L S. 
Smith, W. H. Schwartz. H. R. Fleming, S. M. Helms, William 
Weand, James H. Wolfe, F. P. Spiese, Fred Bertolette, Dr. P. 
N. K. Schwenk, J. M. Stauffer, A. D Fetterolf, A. S. Brendle, 
J. H. Hughes. 

Treasurer Freeland G. Hobson died at his home, 
Collegeville, Pa.. January loth, 1906. after a brief ill- 
ness. He was Treasurer of this Association from the 
date of organization in 1887, and always took an active 
part in all its work. In fact, because of his nearness to 
the Headquarters, he was the guide and director of the 
Association in nearly all the work connected therewith. 
He was a Past State President of the P. O. S. of A. in 
Pennsylvania. In law as his chosen profession he at- 
tained eminent rank in his community. Prominent in 
religious, business and social life, he was highly esteemed 
by his fellows. At the time of his death he was Trust 
Officer for the Norristown Trust Company. 



April 17th. A special meeting of the committee 
on foreclosing proceedings, together with officers and 
Directors of the Association, was held in the residence of 
Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes. Regent, in Norristown at this 
date. 

Those present were : Miss Mary Mclnnes, Mrs. Mary 
Bean Jones, H. J. Stager, R. T. S. Hallowell, F. P. 
Spiese, R. H. Koch and H. R. Fleming. 



i68 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The matter of personal property sale to the Park 
Commission was debated. J. P. H. Jenkins, acting for 
the Commission, declined to pay over the $200.00 agreed 
upon for same, but was willing to allow about half the 
amount. This the Committee for the Association 
would not accept. The officers were instructed to effect 
settlement for amount in full at earliest date possible. 

The matter of counsel fees with reference to the 
condemnation proceedings and appeal therefrom was 
taken up and gave rise to considerable discussion. It 
was developed that Messrs. Hobson, Bertolette and 
Strassburger were engaged in the case as associates of 
Judge Koch. The bill submitted amounted to $2050.00, 
which was subsequently reduced to $1800.00 in full com- 
pensation for all charges, court costs, etc., of himself 
and associate counsel, which may have been incurred in 
connection with the suit and award before the Mont- 
gomery county Court, with the further understanding 
that Judge Koch act as counsel for the Association with- 
out further charge for such legal services, until further 
notice and agreement with the officers and Directors of 
the Association be had. 



June 19th. Permission to hold the annual meetings 
in the Headquarters this year was denied to this Asso- 
ciation by letter received from the Secretary of the Park 
Commission who were now in charge. 

The Board of Directors held their meeting at the 
Washington Inn. a near-by location to the Headquarters 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 169 

mansion, and the Board meeting preceded that of the 
Stockholders held at the same place. 

There was very little to consider, since the Head- 
quarters work of the year was confined to possession of 
the year previous from date of annual meeting in June 
to dispossession in November. The routine work 
usually presented in the report of the Executive Com- 
mittee was quite brief, and with this year terminated the 
labors of the Executive Committee composed of the 
officers of the Association, and from this date forward 
had nothing to present. 

The Committee on Treasurer Hobson Obituary re- 
ported. It was adopted by unanimous vote and a copy 
ordered to be printed upon satin and sent to the widow 
and family. 

The annual meeting of the Stockholders was called 
to order at 2 p. m. 

The Auditing Committee reported the accounts of 
the late Treasurer all correct up to the date of his de- 
cease, and the net balance was duly transferred to the 
new Treasurer, Franklin P. Spiese. The old account, 
June 19th, 1905, to January loth, 1906, showed: 

June 19th, 1905, Balance $39-96 

Headquarters' receipts 1020.00 

Rentals 45.00 

$1104.96 
Expenses — 

Warden's salary, etc $129.16 

Supplies paid for 276.55 

Last note payment 306.58 

$712.29 
Transferred to new Treasurer $392.67 



170 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The new Treasurer also acknowledged receipt of 
$18,000 from the Treasurer of the Park Commission, 
and after deducting $1800.00 paid as legal fees to the 
four attorneys representing this Association in the injunc- 
tion and condemnation proceedings against the Park 
Commission, and also $106.40 expenses of February 12th 
meeting in Philadelphia, and incidental expenses in year, 
it left in the hands of said official the sum of $16,486.27. 
Of this sum $16,200.00 is deposited upon interest at the 
rate of three per cent, per annum, and the balance, 
$286.27, cash in hand, does not bear interest. The ac- 
count was duly passed upon by an Auditing Committee 
and found correct. 

The check from the Park Commission was for 
$18,200.00, including the $200.00 for personal property, 
but this later item was in dispute. J. P. H. Jenkins, of 
the Park Commission, claimed a return of part. The 
Treasurer, to secure the $18,000.00, agreed to accept the 
whole check, and return the $200.00, anticipating the item 
could readily be adjusted later on. The $18,000.00 was 
received in this way, $200.00 was returned awaiting 
adjustment. 

The Committee on Condemnation Proceedings hav- 
ing reported to the Board of Directors as to action taken, 
it was agreed that the question of dissolution be deferred 
until next annual meeting. 

The annual election of Directors was next held, and 
resulted : 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEV FORGE 171 

1906. Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Mrs. 
Mary K. Preston, *Miss Mary Mclnnes, H. J. Stager, R. T. S. 
Hallowell, R. H. Koch, I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz, Dr. H. A. 
Klock, S. M. Hehns. H. R. Fleming. William Weand, James H. 
Wolfe, Fred Bertolette, A. D Fetterolf. Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk. 
J. M. Staufifer, A. S. Brendle, *J. H. Hughes, fj. H. Dugan. 

No official record of those present appears in the 

minutes, but they infer the presence of Mrs. Mclnnes, 

Mrs. Jones, Messrs. Smith, Hallowell, Spiese. Koch, 

Stauffer, Bertolette, Hughes and Stager. 



iVt a meeting of the Board of Directors held subse- 
quently to that of the Stockholders at this date, the fol- 
lowing officials were chosen for the new year : 

Regent. Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, 

Vice Regents, H. J. Stager, Mrs. M. B. Jones, 

Secretary, R. T. S. Hallowell, 

Treasurer, Franklin P. Spiese. 

It was presented that although a tender of $200.00 
was made by the Park Commission for the purchase of 
the personal property of the Association at Headquarters, 
no such amount was yet received. The attorney acting 
for the Park Commission wanted to rebate a certain 
.amount for goods claimed as sold later than their offer. 
This was disputed and hence there was no settlement. 

It was agreed that the Regent Mrs. R. Mclnnes, 
Vice Regent H. J. Stager, Secretary R. T. S. Hallowell, 
and Director R. H. Koch constitute a committee to pre- 
pare plans having in view the distribution of the funds 
of the Association, and report at a future meeting to be 
called for that purpose. 



*New Directors elected in February. 
tRe-elected at this meeting, an original member. 
Directors F. G. Hobson, deceased; Franklin P. Spiese, res'gned, 
and Mrs. Philander C. Knox, dropped. 



172 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

April 4th, 1907. A special meeting of the Board 
of Directors was held at Reading, this date, in the parlor 
of the American House, at 10 a. m. 

Those present were : Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Mrs. 
M. B. Jones, R. T. S. Hallowell, Franklin P. Spiese, 
R. H. Koch, I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz, H. R. Fleming, 
S. M. Helms, William Weand, James H. Wolfe. 

The Committee to prepare plans with reference to 
the distribution of funds at dissolution reported the 
proper course to pursue would be to provide for the dis- 
solution of the Association and allow distribution to be 
made by the Courts of Montgomery county, by which 
this Association was chartered. The following resolution 
was adopted : 

Resolved, That the Secretary of this Association be and is 
hereby directed to give notice by publication into two newspapers 
in Montgomery county ; one in Philadelphia ; one in Reading ; 
one in Pottsville ; and one in Altoona, once a week for sixty 
days, that action will be taken at the annual meeting of Stock- 
holders of this Association to be held June 19th, 1907, looking to 
the dissolution of this Association. 

Treasurer Spiese suggested the publication of a 

Memorial Historical record of this Association, a copy 

of which shall be presented to each Director. It was 

agreed to, and a committee naming Regent Mrs. Mclnnes, 

Vice Regent Stager, Treasurer Spiese and Director 

Wolfe was appointed to present the matter at the next 

annual meeting. 



June 19th. The annual meeting of the Stockholders 
of the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge was held at 2 o'clock p. m. this date, in the 
Washington Inn. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 173 

Twenty stockholders were present, representing 5193 
shares of stock. Rev. W. Herbert Burk was also present 
and holding proxies for 300 shares. 

The Treasurer. Franklin P. Spiese, reported : 

Balance in hand June, 1906 $16,486.27 

Interest received during year '556.19 

-c J J J • , $17,042.46 

lixpended during the year 125.75 

Balance in hand $16,916.71 

The Committee on Dissolution or Distribution of 
Funds reported that no further steps had been taken 
since the notice of proposed dissolution of the Association 
had been sent to members and duly published in different 
papers, Norristown Herald; daily Press, Philadelphia; 
Times-Chronicle, Jenkintown; Altoona Tribune; Potts- 
ville Republican; and Reading Eagle, and the officers now 
await the instruction of this meeting. 

A number of suggestions were made, and various 
plans of action were proposed, but the following resolu- 
tion offered by Attorney Koch, of the Board, was, after 
general discussion, unanimously adopted: 

Resolved, That the Directors of this Association, elected this 
day, be and are hereby authorized and directed to take the neces- 
sary proceedings in accordance with law for the dissolution of 
this corporation and the proper distribution of its funds. 

A communication was received at this meeting from 
the Valley Forge Park Commission, asking that the funds 
in the hands of this Association be turned over to them 
as the proper successors of the Association. The Secre- 
tary was instructed to reply officially that this Corpora- 



174 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

tion knows of no warrant in law authorizing the payment 
of its funds to said Commission, and therefore the propo- 
sition was respectfully declined and refused. 

It was then moved : "That it is the sense of this 
meeting of Stockholders that the funds in hand be re- 
turned to the original contributors as far as possible," an<J 
was adopted unanimously. 

The election of Directors resulted : 

1907, *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary Bean Jones^ 
Mrs. Mary K. Preston, *Miss Mary Mclnnes, *H. J. Stager, *R. 
T. S. Hallowell, *R. H. Koch, I." S. Smith, *W. H. Schwartz, 
Dr. H. A. Klock, =^=8. M. Helms, *H. R. Fleming, Williaim 
Weand, *James H. Wolfe, Fred Bertolette, A. D Fetterolf, Dr. 
P. N. K. Schwenk, J M. Stauffer, *A. S. Brendle, *J. H. Hughes, 
*J. H. Dugan. 

A meeting of the Board of Directors followed that 
of the Stockholders. The same officers as of record for 
the year previous were re-elected at this meeting. 

The matter of personal property of the Association 
which was yet unpaid for by the Park Commission was 
presented at this meeting by the Committee appointed ta 
look after the same, and it was reported that no progress 
could be made with the Commissioner, J. P. PI. Jenkins, 
who seemed to represent the Park Commission in the 
matter. The question of collection was then placed in 
the hands of Attorney Koch. 

After some discussion the following motion was 
adopted : "That the former Committee on dissolution and 
distribution of funds, consisting of Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes 



♦Treasurer Franklin P. Spiese also present. No official record of 
Diret'tors present, but above record is taken from parts of minutes. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 175 

and Messrs. Stager, Hallowell and Koch, be continued, 
with full power to act in accordance with the resolution 
of the Stockholders adopted this day." 

A committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. 
Koch, Spiese and Wolfe, to draft a resolution to secure 
the consent of the Pennsylvania Legislature to permit 
this Association to erect a memorial tablet within the 
Headquarters, commemorating its work in the preserva- 
tion of the Washington Headquarters. 

In the winter of 1888-89 ^" ^^^^ sapling, repre- 
sented to be a sprout from a tree planted by General 
Washington, was brought from Mt. Vernon by Mr. 
Wm. Weand, who later on was elected a Director, and 
by him planted on the lawn, on the left of the Mansion, 
and near the Warden's house. It has grown into a 
fine tree, with every indication of continued growth 
and consequent increase of proportions. 



December 2d. A special meeting of the Board 
of Directors was held this date in Philadelphia in 
Sons of America Building, at 10 a. m., to take special 
action relative to the death of our late Treasurer, Frank- 
lin P. Spiese, who died August 31st, 1907, to elect a new 
Treasurer, and other matters pertaining to the immediate 
needs of the Association, and especially to the question 
of dissolution. 

Members present : Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Mrs. 
Mary Bean Jones, Miss Mary Mclnnes, Messrs. H. J. 
Stager, R. T. S. Hallowell, R. H. Koch, H. R. Fleming, 



176 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

William Weand, James H. Wolfe, J. M. Stauffer, Dr. P. 
N. K. Schwenk, J. H. Hughes and J. H. Dugan. 

An obituary paper certifying to the high esteem in 
which our late Treasurer was held, and an expression 
of sympathy to his widow, was read, adopted and a 
copy ordered to be printed upon satin to be sent to her. 

The vacancy in the treasury was next considered. 
It was first provided that a surety bond of $20,000.00 
should be exacted at the expense of the treasury. This 
was subsequently reduced to $16,000.00. 

Directors R. T. S. Hallowell and J. M. Stauffer were 
then nominated to fill the vacancy in the office, and the 
ballot resulted ten in favor of the first named and three 
to the latter. This elected Secretary R. T. S. Hallowell 
also as Treasurer, and both offices were combined in 
this way. 

The Committee on Dissolution reported that they 
were awaiting a more favorable time for prosecution of 
their work. 

The First Vice Regent was instructed to prepare a 
letter addressed to Governor Edwin S. Stuart, reviewing 
the work of this Association briefly, and what it had 
accomplished for Washington's Headquarters, and the 
sub rasa manner in which it had been dispossessed by 
legislative action, etc.. and asking that in view of same, 
when it came to matter of new appointees on the Park 
Commission, that at least two should be selected from 
among the officials of this Association for such place. 
The letter was duly prepared, printed and signed by 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 177 

each Director and Officer, and promptly mailed to the 

Governor about March 4th, 1908. There is no record 
that any reply was received. 



June 19th, 1908. The annual meeting of the 
Stockholders at this date was called to order at 2 p. m., 
but there were only a few present, and a motion to ad- 
journ until II a. m., June 20th, was agreed to without 
debate. 

A meeting of the Directors followed, also held at 
the Washington Inn, in Valley Forge, same as that of 
the Stockholders. There were present, Airs. Rebecca 
Mclnnes, Miss Mary Mclnnes, H. J. Stager and R. T. S. 
Hallowell. No quorum was present, and it was there- 
fore agreed to adjourn also until June 20th, after the 
Stockholders' meeting at 11 a. m. 

The explanation of the non-attendance to-day (the 
date of regular annual meeting) is owing to the fact that 
on the 20th the General Wayne bronze equestrian monu- 
ment was to be formally dedicated upon the camp 
grounds ; and as each officer of the Association had re- 
ceived invitation thereto from the State Commission 
having the exercises in charge, it was assented to that 
the Board of Directors and Stockholders of this Asso- 
ciation could as well hold their meetings this date, prior 
to the celebration, thus enabling the members to partici- 
pate in each program, and therefore the meetings of a 
few on the 19th were necessary to legalize the meetings 
of the 20th. 

June 20th. An adjourned meeting of the Stock- 
holders was held at the Washington Inn, in Valley 
Forge, this date, at 11 a. m. 



178 



CENTENNIAL AND xAIEMORIAL 




WASHINGTON INN 
Place where the annual meetings were held after 1905 

Treasurer-Secretary Hallowell reported : 

June, 1907, Balance $16,916.71 

Interest to December 26th, 1907 253.80 

$17,170.51 
Expended to July, 1907 9347 

$17,077.04 

Received from late Treas., Franklin P. Spiese. $17.077. 04 
Interest December, 1907, to June 19th, 1908.. 247.14 

$17,324-18 

Expended for bond $48.00 

Meetings 52.75 

100.75 

Ca.=h in hand at date $17,223.43 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 179 

The deaths of Directors Mrs. Mary K. Preston and 
Dr. H. A. Klock, in addition to Treasurer Franklin P. 
Spiese, all within the fiscal year, were officially presented 
at this meeting, and an expression of mourning and sym- 
pathy with the bereaved families was adopted, and copies 
thereof printed upon satin were subsequently sent to each. 

Treasurer Franklin P. Spiese was elected to the 
Board of Directors in June, 1895, and he was ever among 
its most efficient members, present at nearly all its meet- 
ings from the date of election to the date of his decease; 
his wise counsel was held in highest estimation. He was 
a prominent member of the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, and at the time of his death was the Treasurer 
of the National Camp. He was also the first State 
President in Pennsylvania re-elected for another term of 
office. His standing in the community was most excel- 
lent, and as an authority upon financial matters he occu- 
pied highest place among his fellows. Died August 31st, 
1907. 

Director Mary K. Preston, residing at Norristown, 
was elected a Director of this Association in June, 1901, 
and took an earnest interest in all its affairs, which ex- 
tended to many years in advance of her election. Her 
patriotic labors and sterling virtues as a true woman 
were fully recognized in her community and the loss to 
this Association was a marked one. Died February 2d, 
1908. 



i8o 



CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 



Director Henry A. Klock, M. D., residing at 
Mahanoy City, was among the thirteen members ap- 
pointed upon behalf of the State Camp of Pennsylvania, 
Patriotic Order Sons of America, in 1886, for the con- 
duction of plans as proposed at Valley Forge. He was 
always active in its interests, and so long as his health 
permitted was quite regular in his attendance at the 




FRONT ROOM- WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS 

(First Floor) 

meetings. His activity in the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America was notable and led to his election to several 
of its highest posts of honor, including that of Medical 
Examiner-in-Chief for several years. Died February 
1st, 1908. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE i8i 

The Committee upon Memorial Tablet, appointed 
June 19th, 1907, reported that the Valley Forge Park 
Commission had reversed its former decision, through 
the special efforts of Col. Richmond L. Jones, a new 
member of the Park Commission, and would now con- 
sent to the erection of a suitable tablet within the Wash- 
ington Headquarters, and a position for the same had 
been selected. This obviated the necessity of addressing 
the State Legislature as this Association had in view. 

The Committee on Dissolution and Distribution of 
Funds reported that no formal request or petition to 
the Courts had yet been made, because the right to put 
a tablet in the Headquarters had not yet been fully deter- 
mined, and until that event had transpired, and the tablet 
put in place, the committee thought the corporation 
should not be dissolved. The report was approved and 
the Committee continued. 

The annual election was then held for Directors and 

resulted : 

1908. *Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, 
*Miss Mary Mclnnes, *H. J. Stager, *Richard T. S. Hallowell, 
*Richard H. Koch, Irwin S. Smith, Samuel M. Helms, Wesley 
H. Schwartz, *Hudson R. Fleming, *William Weand, Frederick 
Bertolette, *James H. Wolfe. *A. D Fetterolf, *J. Milton 
Stauffer. Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, Abraham S. Brendle, *J. 
Harry Hughes, *J. H. Dugan. 

No attempt was made to fill the vacancies in the 
Board caused by deaths. In view of the proposed disso- 
lution, it was not now considered necessary to keep up 
the full membership of the Board to the maximum num- 
ber as provided by the by-laws. 

♦Those present at this meeting. No roll call, but names taken 
from record. 



i82 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The Board of Directors held a meeting subsequent 
to the Stockholders, thirteen members present. 

The officers as of record for previous year were 
re-elected. 

Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, Henry J. Stager, J. H. 
Hughes and R. H. Koch were delegated, with full power 
to act, to prepare inscription for tablet, have it made and 
erected in place at the Headquarters. 



August 25th. A special meeting of the Board 
of Directors was called to meet at Hazleton, Pa., 
on the evening of this date, in the Central Hotel. (This 
occurring during the annual sessions of the Pennsylvania 
State Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of America, at which 
time so many of the Directors were brought together at 
one place.) 

The necessity of this meeting was because of the 
death of the Secretary-Treasurer, Richard T. S. Hal- 
lowell, August 14th, 1908. 

A Committee on Resolutions was appointed, and a 
suitable memorial of the death of our esteemed associate 
was prepared and adopted, and later on a copy printed 
upon satin was sent to his bereaved widow. 

Secretary-Treasurer R. T. S. Hallowell was also 
one of the thirteen trustee committee appointed at the 
State Camp of Pennsylvania, P. O. S. of A., in 1886, 
on behalf of the Valley Forge plan. He was most faith- 
ful in attendance to all his duties. He had full charge 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE i8j 

of the restoration plans of the old Headquarters and car- 
ried all through most successfully. He was elected Sec- 
retary in 1889, and Secretary-Treasurer, Decemher, 1907, 
holding that office at the date of his death. He stood 
high in the ranks of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
serving several of its highest offices and retiring as a 
Past State President. His death was keenly felt by this 
Association. 

In the election of a successor as Treasurer it was 
agreed that the same should be separated from that of 
Secretary. J. Milton Stauffer was the only nominee, and 
was elected to the office of Treasurer by a unanimous 
vote. 

It was agreed that the office of Secretary should be 
united with that of the First Vice Regent, and H. J. 
Stager was then duly elected as Secretary. 

It was also agreed that the Secretary-elect be em- 
ployed, authorized and empowered to prepare a history 
of this Association from the date of its reorganization 
in 1886 to the present. 

The Committee on Tablet presented the wording of 
proposed inscription, which was then discussed at some 
length, and thereafter referred to the Committee again 
with full power to act. 

The proper officers of the Board were instructed to 
have a new bond prepared for the new Treasurer. 

Those present at this meeting were : Messrs. R. H. 
Koch, I. S. Smith, W. H. Schwartz, H. R. Fleming, 
S. M. Helms, J. H. Wolfe, William Weand, J. M. 
Stauffer, J. H. Dugan and H. J. Stager. 



i84 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

The tablet to be erected in the Washington Head- 
quarters at Valley Forge, and which was acceded to by 
the Park Commission now in charge of the building, and 
for which the committee, Mrs. Mary Bean Jones, R. H. 
Koch, J. H. Hughes and H. J. Stager, were invested with 
full power to act. The place, form, size and inscription 
were decided upon by the committee, aided by Colonel 
Richmond L. Jones, of the Park Commission. The con- 
tract with the manufacturers provided for a 24x30-inch 
tablet, United States statuary bronze, finely cast and 
finished with plain border, to be completed and set in 
place by February 22d, 1909. 

The tablet inscription reads : 



THIS TABLET COMMEMORATES 

THE PArRIoffC SERVICE RENPEREP BY 

THE CENTENNIAL AI^P MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION 

OF VALLEY FORGE 

GENEROUSLY AIPEP BY THE 

PATRIOTIC ORPER SONS OF AMERICA 

IN ACOUIRING, RESTORING ANP PRESERVING 

THESE HEAPOUARTERS 

1575>-15?06 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 185 

The tablet was duly erected in place February 22, 
1909. Judge R. H. Koch and H. J. Stager were present, 
representing this Association, and also Colonel Richmond 
L. Jones, representing the Park Commission. The cost 
of tablet was $75.00 complete. 



June 19th, 1909 (Saturday). The annual meeting of 
the Stockholders of the Centennial and Memorial Asso- 
ciation of Valley Forge was held at 2 p. m., at the 
Valley Forge Inn. Over 5000 shares of stock were repre- 
sented at this meeting. Certificate No. 3072 calls for 
3600 shares, and No. 5172 for 1400 shares. The trustees 
for each were present. A majority of the Board of 
Directors were also, as usual present at this meeting. 

The Committee on Dissolution reported through 
Director Koch that no special move had yet been made 
in that way; that the full $200 for personal property 
had not been received from the Park Commission, and 
that we should await the final report of historical record 
now preparing. The report was approved. 

The Treasurer, J. M. Stauffer. presented his report 
for the year ending : 



1 86 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Received from Norristown Trust Company, 
representing estate of R. T. S. Hallowell, 
deceased, October 6th, 1908 $745-6i 

Received from Norristown Trust Company, 
representing estate of R. T. S. Hallowell, 
deceased, December 4th, 1908 16,654.81 

$17,400.42 
June 7th, 1909, Interest to date 264.00 

$17,664.42 
Expended during the year 1,663.19 

June 17th, 1909, Balance $16,001.23 

The Secretary at this meeting presented a historical 
record of this Association dating from reorganization in 
1886 to the present. It was preceded by a full list of 
Directors elected from year to year ; a Washington Head- 
quarters descriptive article from the pen of Mrs. Anna 
M. Holstein, Regent, now deceased; a descriptive article 
by H. J. Stager, portraying the part taken by the Patri- 
otic Order Sons of America; and then follows sixty-two 
pages of typewritten matter, reviewing the work of the 
Association, 1886 to date; followed with a list of the 
contributors in that time. In all, over eighty pages of 
typewritten sheets, letter size. The work was over- 
looked prior to the meeting by five members of the 
Board of Directors, and it was reviewed also at this meet- 
ing, and, being considered satisfactory, was approved and 
referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Stager, 
chairman, Fleming, and Attorneys Koch and Wolfe, 
with full power to act. It was agreed also that the 
book should contain the pictures of active Directors and 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 187 

autobiographies so far as the same could be reached ; 
also Brief of Title and other incidental matter. Consid- 
erable time was given at this Stockholders' meeting to 
this historical record, and all were in heart}^ accord 
with the same. 

The election of Directors resulted : 
1909. Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, =*=Miss Mary Mclnnes, *Mrs. Mary 
B. Jones, *H. J. Stager, *R. H. Koch, I. S. Smith, *S. M. 
Helms, W. H. Schwartz, *H. R. Fleming, Frederick Bertolette, 
Wm.- Weand, Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk, *Jas. H. Wolfe, *J. M. 
Stanfifer, *J. H. Dugan, *A. D Fetterolf, *J. Harry Hughes, 
A. S. Brendle. 

It was agreed that after the Committee on History 
is ready to report finally to the Board of Directors of 
this Association, that the matter of dissolution be pro- 
ceeded with. 

The Auditing Committee on accounts of Treasurer 
Hallowell, deceased, and Treasurer Staufifer, reported 
an examination of both accounts and finding all correct. 



A meeting of the Directors followed the meeting of 
the stockholders this same date and place. The officers 
elected were as follows : 

Regent, Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes. 

First Vice Regent and Secretary, H. J. Stager. 

Second Vice Regent, Mrs. Mary B. Jones. 

Treasurer, J. Milton Stauffer. 

After reviewing the business acted upon at the 
Stockholders' meeting it was agreed that when the His- 
tory Committee is ready to report a special meeting 
shall be called by the officers at time and place they shall 
agree upon. 



♦Present at meeting. 



i88 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

March 19, 1910. A special meeting of the Board 
of Directors was held this date at 11 o'clock a. m.;, 
Philadelphia, in Sons of America Building, 524 North 
Sixth street. 

The Directors present at this meeting were : Regent 
Mrs. R. Mclnnes, First Vice Regent and Secretary H. J, 
Stager, Second Vice Regent Mrs. M. B. Jones, Treas- 
urer J. M. Stauffer, and Directors R. H. Koch, James H. 
Wolfe, I. S. Smith, J. H. Dugan, J. H. Hughes, W. H. 
Schwartz, H. R. Fleming, S. AI. Helms, A. S. Brendle, 
A. D Fetterolf and William Weand. 

The "History of the Association" was presented as 
being about ready for printing, lacking only in the official 
record prior to 1886 and in the matter of biographies and 
pictures of all the Directors. 

It was agreed to proceed with the publication as 
fully as the facts could be gathered within a limited time. 
An amount deemed sufhcient to pay for the work in good, 
first-class style was considered and appropriated to cover 
the same. 

The question of dissolution was then debated at 
length and with unanimous voice finally agreed upon 
in this : 

Rcsolz'cd, That the Regent and Secretary be and they are 
hereby authorized and directed to apply without delay in the 
name of this Association, by petition to the Courts of Common 
Pleas, of Montgomery county, for the dissolution of this Asso- 
ciation; and further, they are authorized and directed to affix to 
said petition the common corporate seal of this Association. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



189 



Messrs. R. H. Koch and James H. Wolfe were 
chosen to represent this Association in the Courts. Pro- 
vision was also made as to expenses. 

After the meeting an official petition to the Courts 
covering this matter was then duly prepared by the at- 
torneys and duly signed by the Regent and Secretary. A 
date for presentation was then awaited. 




CAMP 150, PA., VALLEY FORGE, P. O. S. A. BUILDING 

Built in 1874 at a cost of about $6000 

Building Committee, D. H. Moyer, David Conway, R. C. Lee, 

A. Conway, and "Wm. Potts 

April i2th. A special meeting of the Board of 
Directors was held at the home of the Regent, Mrs. R. 
Mclnnes, in Norristown, to consider the final report of 



igo CENTENNIAL AND AIEMORIAL 

the Treasurer and to audit said account, also to provide 
further for historical publication. The call was formally 
issued and the meeting took place at lO a. m. 

Directors present: Mrs. JMcInnes (Regent), Mrs. 
M. B. Jones (Vice Regent), H. J. Stager (Vice Regent 
and Secretary), J. M. Stauffer (Treasurer), and Direc- 
tors Miss M. Mclnnes, Messrs. R. H. Koch, J. H. Wolfe 
and A. D Fetterolf. 

Mrs. Mclnnes and Mrs. Jones were appointed as a 
committee to secure facts relative to the history of this 
Association dating from 1878 to 1886, which should be 
incorporated in our proposed book, so far as the same 
could be obtained. Final provision for full expenses of 
publication was also made. 

The Treasurer, J. M. Stauffer, reported: 

June 19, 1909, Balance in hand $16,001.23 

Receipts, June 19, 1909, to April 12, 1910: 

Sale of personal property $113.86 

Interest 4i3-5i 

527.37 

$16,528.60 
Expenses, June 19, 1909, to April 12, 1910.... 962.10 

Balance in hand $15,566.50 

Funds deposited with First National Bank, at Hazle- 
ton, at three per cent, interest per annum. 

The accounts were duly audited by a committee of 
three and passed upon as correct. 

The item of $113.86 in receipts is in settlement of 
claim for furniture, old-style wall clock, oil painting, 
pictures, souvenirs held in stock for sale at Headquarters, 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 191 

including silver spoons, pamphlets, etc. The Park Com- 
mission agreed to pay $200.00 for same, but claimed a 
reduction therefrom because of latest sales, which was 
disputed by this Association. The amount was withheld 
until recent date, when settlement was accepted as above 
through Attorney Koch. 



June 13th. The proofs of publication of the 
notice of the application for dissolution were presented 
to the Montgomery county Court and a form of 
decree of dissolution w^as submitted. Because of a 
Bill in Equity, which had been filed by the Park Com- 
missioners of Valley Forge, and which was called to the 
attention of the Court by their counsel, the decree sub- 
mitted by Judge Koch and Jas. H. Wolfe, Esq., was 
not signed by the Court, but held under advisement. 



June i8th (Saturday). Judge Aaron S. Swartz, 
of the ]\Iontgomery county Court, made a decree this 
date dissolving the corporation of the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge, and approved the 
accounts of the Directors and officers of the said cor- 
poration. No exceptions or objections were filed to said 
account. A Bill in Equity was filed by the Commission- 
ers of the Valley Forge Park against the Association. In 
this bill the plaintiiTs allege and contend that they are, 
ex officio, the successors of the Association as trustees 
of the fund of $15,566.50. The Court paper recommends 
that final disposition should not be made until said bill 
is disposed of or until the rights of the plaintiffs are 



192 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

adjudicated. It also recommends that the fund should be 
distributed without unnecessary delay, and stated that sev- 
eral claimants desired to submit proofs as to their rights 
and title in the fund. The Judge appointed William F. 
Dannehower, an attorney, of Norristown, Pa., auditor, 
to make distribution of the funds above stated in the 
Association treasury "to the parties legally entitled to the 
money." 



July 26th, A meeting was held at the office of 
Attorney Dannehower, in Norristown, this date, at 10 
a. m. Present : Attorneys Koch and Wolfe, for the 
Stockholders of the Centennial and Memorial Associa- 
tion, claiming the fund for distribution to the share- 
holders. 

Also, Attorneys ex-Governor S. M. Pennypacker, 
R. L. Jones and J. P. H. Jenkins, for the Valley Forge 
Park Commission, claiming the fund as succeeding 
Trustees. 

Also, Mrs. Joseph Fernance and Miss Hooven, 
representing the Valley Forge Chapter of the Daugh- 
ters of the American Revolution, claiming the fund for 
the erection of a monument at Valley Forge. 

Also, Rev. W. Herbert Burk, representing trans- 
fers of stock in favor of the Washington Memorial 
Chapel, at Valley Forge. 

Also, several parties holding certificates showing 
subscriptions made to the Jubilee Celebration of 1878. 
The latter were ruled out. 

A few witnesses were heard, and then the mesting 
was adjourned till further call. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 193 

September i6th. A second meeting- before the 
Auditor occurred on this date at Norristown, at 10 
A. M. All the attorneys named in meeting of July 
26 were also present at this. 

After hearing- additional testimony from H. J. 
Stager, continued from meeting of July 26, the question 
as to whom the funds should go was ably argued by 
Judge R. H. Koch and Attorney Jas. H. Wolfe, in 
favor of the stockholders, and by ex-Governor Penny- 
packer and Attorney R. L. Jones, who claimed that 
the Park Commission was the legitimate successor 
of the dissolved Association, and hence entitled to said 
fund. 

Auditor Dannehower then held the matter under 
advisement. 

October 5th. The third and final meeting before 
the Auditor was held at Norristown this date, at 10 
A. M. At this meeting Valley Forge Chapter, Daugh- 
ters of the American Revolution, represented by Mrs. 
Rebecca Mclnnes and Miss Emeline Henry Hooven, 
attorney, presented their appHcation for the funds now 
held in trust, for monumental purposes, to be located 
at Valley Forge. Attorneys R. H. Koch, J. P. H. 
Jenkins, ex-Governor Pennypacker and H. J. Stager 
were also present, 

June 5th, 191 1. From the date of the last meeting 
before the Auditor in Norristown, held in October, 
1910, the matter of distribution of fund was held under 
consideration by him until this date, when his report 
was presented in the Court of Common Pleas of Mont- 
gomery County. In this report he elaborately re- 
viewed the history of the Centennial and Memorial 



194 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Association of Valley Forge, and of the Park Commis- 
sion and defined the legal status of each as to the fund 
that had been paid by the State to the former under the 
condemnation proceedings, for its property, and finally 
reached the conclusion that said fund could not be 
distributed among the certificate holders of the late 
Centennial and Memorial Association, but must be 
awarded to the said Valley Forge Park Commission as 
the logical successors of said Association, and as best 
fitted to continue the trust which, he held, had been 
created by the said Association. 

This decision is unsatisfactory to the members of 
the dissolved Association, and the attorneys represent- 
ing the stockholders will take necessary steps to have 
the questions involved reviewed by the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas of Montgomery County, and thereafter, if 
necessary, by an appeal to the Supreme Court of the 
State, because the exact question arising in the case 
has not been hitherto decided. The final decision may 
not, therefore, be rendered for some time ; and it was 
deemed unnecessary to delay the publication of this 
book longer, inasmuch as the final decision may not 
be had for a few years. 

The stockholders would not object to the expendi- 
ture of all its funds at or about Valley Forge in the 
erection of some patriotic memento, as in an Arch, or 
appropriate Monument, so that the amount involved 
would be used in some specific object which could be 
pointed out as its own peculiar feature. The stock- 
holders do object to the incorporation of their fund in 
a general way with the Park Commission treasury, as 
thereby it would lose all its identity and forever dissi- 
pate remembrance of their distinctive labors in behalf 
of Valley Forge Headquarters. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 19S 

This book was practically complete in July, 1910, 
so far as the writer's labors went, and all its pages, up 
to page 193 (excepting the first few), were printed and 
stacked up in the bindery, waiting the final pages, 
which were held back until the decision of the Auditor 
could be completed. The matter was in his hands for 
one full year. 

The full Report of the Auditor and the Exceptions 
as filed in the Court will be attached to this book and 
appear in the Appendix. 

Argument on the Exceptions in the Courts of 
Montgomery County will not be held until September 
8, 1911. 




MOUNT VERNON, ON THE POTOMAC 



ARTICLES PRESENTED TO THE 
ASSOCIATION 



AN interesting feature in the early work of the 
Centennial and Memorial Association, which con- 
-J tinned up to 1905, was the collection of relics 
having a Colonial or Revolutionary history, and the 
following is a major list of the articles presented from 
time to time. Some few of the articles were loaned for 
a time. 

One pair of Andirons, Mrs. Hannah Ogden, 1878. 

A Walnut Couch, brought from England, presented by 
Mrs. Hannah Ogden, 1878. 

A Glass Tankard, formerly belonged to Timothy Picker- 
ing, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 
presented by Mrs. D. R. Brower, of Norristown, Pa. 

Three Pewter Plates, Mrs. Hannah Ogden, 1878. 

Snuff Box, formerly belonged to Major-General Anthony 
Wayne, presented by Mrs. Ann Haley, of Berwyn. 

Also a paper case of General Wayne's, presented by Mrs. 
Ann Haley. 

"Washington and His Generals at Valley Forge," presented 
by Mr. Franklin B. Schlater, Whitpain township, Montgomery 
county. 

Bayonet taken from the Hessians after their capture at 
the Battle of Trenton, January 2, 1777, presented by Hon. Jones 
Detweiler, also a Canister Shot found on the farm of Charles 
Wentz, Whitemarsh township, near Fort Washington, Mont- 
gomery county, in 1876. 

Crane in kitchen chimney. It was taken from an old house 
on the Conard farm. Centre Square. The property was at one 
time owned by Adam Lutz, whose initials it bears: "A. L., 
1736." 

A curious rusted Hammer, found a short distance from the 
Headquarters building, presented by John Rowan, Valley 
Forge. 



198 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Small Hatchet, much rusted, found two feet below the sur- 
face, close to the southeast window of the office rooms. 

Two Indian Stone Hatchets, found at Fort Huntingdon, 
presented by Mrs. Isaac Massey, October, 1887. 

"Washington Crossing the Delaware," presented by the Na- 
tional Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of America, assembled at 
Washington, D. C, June, 1889. 

A large Hammer used by the teamsters of the army about 
their wagons at Swedes Ford, given by them to Major Mathias 
Holstein, who was then but a lad. From him it descended 
to his nephew, Dr. George W. Holstein, and was presented by him 
to the Headquarters. 

Rusty Bayonet, found at Valley Forge, presented by Hon. 
Jones Detweiler. 

Canister Shot, found at Fort Washington, Whitemarsh, 
in 1875, presented by Hon. Jones Detweiler. 

Rusted broken Sword, found at Valley Forge in 1859, pre- 
sented by J. W. Harry, of Conshohocken. 

Flint Lock Musket, presented by Mr. P. C. Hess, of Phila- 
delphia. 

Hatchet with handle, Mrs. Ogden, 1878. 

Reel, presented by Mrs. Jacob L. Rex. 

Large Pewter Meat Dish, formerly the property of William 
and Mary Plumstead, of Philadelphia; presented by Miss Clem- 
entine Plumstead, of Philadelphia, in 1880. 

One Pewter Plate, found on the battlefield of Germantown, 
presented by Camp 114, Patriotic Order Sons of America. 

One Pewter Plate, belonged to Captain John Emory, and 
used by him at Valley Forge, in 1777, presented by Peter 
Emory, to Camp 114, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and 
by them to the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge. 

Brass Buckles, found near Fort Huntingdon, presented by 
Mrs. Isaac Massey. 

Chair, presented by Miss Rachel Rittenhouse, Jefiferson- 
ville, Montgomery county. Pa. 

Powder Horn, made at Valley Forge in 1777, by C. F. 
Rockwell. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 199 

Set of Forty Framed Portraits from Historical Society of 
Pennsylvania, being a chronological portraiture of Washing- 
ton, 1772 to 1798. 

Cannon from Navy Department, placed on lawn. Procured 
through eflforts of Congressman Edwin Hallowell. 

Cannon Ball (18-pound), found near entrenchment at Valley 
Forge, by George W. Pauling. 

Fac-simile of Declaration of Independence, presented by 
State Department at suggestion of F. D. Stone, librarian of His- 
torical Society of Pennsylvania. 

"Diplomatic Correspondence of iVmerican Revolution," 6 
vols. "Bulletin of Bureau of Rolls and Library," 2 vols., also pre- 
sented by Department of State, Washington, D. C. 

Old Desk, by Dr. J. K. Read. 

Single Bedstead, formerly property of Charles Thompson, 
first Secretary of Continental Congress, by David Kenzie. 

Portrait of Dr. Bodo Otto, a surgeon of the Revolution- 
ary Army, 1775 to close of war, by C. W. Otto, a descendant. 

Bullet from battlefield of Red Bank, by E. G. Badger, 
Philadelphia. 

Two pieces of paper currency issued by the General As- 
sembly of Pennsylvania, 1777, by John Wilde, Jr., Consho- 
hocken. 

Bedstead, Fireplace Utensils, by Mrs. Roberts. 

Old Brass-Barreled Horse Pistol, with Bayonet. Old Steel 
Square, with date 1675, by J. G. Baily, Bridgeport. 

Colonial Bedstead, Antique Clock, Candlestick, Watch, 
Spectacles, Snuffers, by Dr. P. N. K. Schwenk (a Director). 

Cannon Ball, found on Germantown battlefield, by P. C. 
Hess, Philadelphia. 

Engravings presented by Mr. Frederick D. Stone : 

Washington Receiving Douches' Letter; Major-General 
Anthony Wayne; Major-General Henry Knox; Major-General 
Peter Muhlenberg; Major-General William Irvine; Major- 
General Nathaniel Greene; Major-General the Baron De Kalb; 
Major-General Lord Stirling; Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dear- 
born; Brigadier-General James M. Varnum; Brigadier-General 
Lachlan Mcintosh; Brigadier-General Enoch Poor; Brigadier- 
General C. Scott; Brigadier-General Jedediah Huntington; 



200 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Colonel John Bannister; Colonel Henry Lee; Lieutenant- 
Colonel John Laurens; Colonel Alexander Hamilton; Major- 
General Thomas Mifflin; Lieutenant-Colonel Tench Tilghman; 
Colonel Nathaniel Ramsey; Lieutenant-Colonel Eleazor Os- 
wald; Washington Crossing the Delaware; full-length portrait 
of Lafayette. 

Presented by Mr. William S. Baker: 

Washington Crossing the Delaware, Washington (Stuart). 
Presented by Mr. Charles Roberts: 

Brigadier-General George Weeden. 

Presented by Mr. Thomas A. Andrews, of Philadelphia: 

Washington's last interview with his Mother, April 14, 
1789; Capture of Major Andre; Washington as a Mason; 
Heath's Washington, burnt on wood (rare); Ancient Engrav- 
ing — Liberty; Independence Hall, Philadelphia; Meat Platter 
made in London; Walnut Chair; Andirons; Large Oak Pin, 
taken from centre rafter of log house built in Birdsboro, Berks 
county, in 1784. 

Miscellaneous Articles: 

Pewter Plates, presented by John Hicks, Chester county. 

Andirons, presented by S. Hammun, Chester county. 

Old-time Frying Pan, long handle, presented by S. Hammun, 
Chester county. 

Kitchen Utensils, Two Cane-Seat Chairs, Mrs. C. W. Rob- 
erts, West Chester. 

Indian Curiosities, found on Valley Forge Hills, presented 
by Mr. Charles D. Phillips, Norristown. 

Receipt given by James Logan to Elias Rambo, 1740; pre- 
sented to the Association by C. D. Phillips. 

Brass Warming Pan, William H. Holstein. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



201 



rr- --. 



r 






L^ "^^ '<^^ 











Washington Memorial Chapel, 
Valley Forge 

iHE cornerstone of the Washington Memorial 
Chapel was laid on Evacuation Day, June 19, 
1903, and the building, only partly finished, was 
first used on Washington's Birthday, 1905. 
While there has been considerable delay in securing the 
money required to complete the Chapel, it already con- 
tains some notable memorials. These include the 
Washington-Sullivan font, commemorating Washington's 
baptism, and the Washington-Wood memorial pulpit, 
perclose and lectern. The pulpit commemorates Wash- 
ington's services as a church warden in Truro Parish, 
Virginia, and the lectern the fact that he read the burial 



202 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

office at the interment of General Braddock. This is the 
only monument at Valley Forge to a British soldier. 
These memorials were dedicated on Washington's 
Birthday, 1909. 

The pews of the patriots are said to be the most 
beautiful pews in the country. Each commemorates 
tlje services of one or more of the patriots of the War 
of the Revolution, and the tablets bear the record 
of their services. The first pew is the Presidents', 
given in memory of Washington and Monroe, the 
two who were at Valley Forge during the memorable 
winter of ''j'j and '78, and in commemoration of the 
address made by President Roosevelt on Evacuation 
Day, 1904, the first time in history that a President 
visited Valley Forge. This address was made in the 
temporary frame chapel, still standing. The Colorado 
Society, Daughters of the Revolution, gave the Conti- 
nental Army Pew, and Liberty Bell Chapter, Pennsyl- 
vania Society, Daughters of the Revolution, gave the 
Continental Navy Pew. 

Continental Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution, 
gave the beautiful Washington Door. 

A beautiful feature of the Chapel is the Cloister 
of the Colonies, which forms the porte-cochere. The 
fagade of this has been built, and contains five bays, 
representing New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 
Maryland and Massachusetts. These were given by 
Miss Sarah R. Chew, Mr. T. Broom Belfield, Mr. 
George C. Thomas, and Mr. James E. Mitchell. The 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 203 

Massachusetts Society, Sons of the American Revo- 
lution, gave the Massachusetts bay. Eventually, all 
the thirteen colonies will be represented. 

Adjoining the Chapel will be the Patriots' Hall. 
One room of this was built and opened formally on 
Washington's Birthday, 1909. In this at present are 
the collections of the Valley Forge Museum of Ameri- 
can History and the Washington Memorial Library. 
Already the collections are too extensive to be properly 
displayed, and it is hoped that additional space may be 
speedily provided by the erection of a larger room. 
Both the Museum and Library have proven popular 
institutions, and hardly a week passes without gifts 
being made to them. 

Valley Forge naturally suggests the thought of 
Washington's prayer there in the days when his soul 
was tried to the utmost. Brueckner's picture of the 
great commander on his knees in the snow and the 
Quaker observing his devotions is one of the most 
popular ever painted to represent an historic event. 

The story of this worship upon the snow-clad hills 
comes to us from Isaac Potts, the owner of the Valley 
Mill, in whose comfortable home Washington made 
his headquarters after the week spent in the tent which 
is now preserved in the Valley Forge Museum of 
American History, which has been added to the Wash- 
ington Memorial Chapel and buildings now partly 
completed. Accidentally, the miller came upon 
Washington at prayer, and heard his supplications for 



204 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

the cause which he represented and his suffering men. 
Deeply impressed with the reHgious fervor of this 
man of war, whose conduct was at such variance with 
that Society to which he belonged, and in which he 
was a preacher, Isaac Potts returned to the house 
which was through that episode, we believe, made mem- 
orable for all time as "Washington's Headquarters." 

There he threw himself into a chair by the side 
of his wife. 




"Hegh ! Isaac !" said she, with tenderness ; "thee 
seems agitated; what's the matter?" "Indeed, my 
dear," quoth he, "if I appear agitated, 'tis no more than 
what I am. I have seen this day what I shall never 
forget. Till now I have thought that a Christian and 
a soldier were characters incompatible ; but if George 
Washington be not a man of God, I am mistaken, and 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 205 

still more shall I be disappointed if God do not through 
him perform some great thing for this country." 

For many years a great oak on the road near the 
Waterman monument was pointed out as the scene of 
this prayer. Wherever the prayer was offered, the 
Washington Memorial Chapel will be its most lasting 
memorial. The thought of that prayer and all it 
meant in American history inspired the Rev. W. 
Herbert Burk with the idea of erecting upon the sacred 
ground of Valley Forge a chapel where the prayer of 
Washington might be continued by American patriots 
as long as the Nation shall endure. While the Chapel 
is far from completion, it is already so rich with 
memorials of the heroic dead as to win from Mr. Wil- 
fred Powell, the British Consul, the title of "the 
American Westminster." 

While we may not be able to point out the very 
spot where Isaac Potts found W^ashington at prayer, 
we can point to the tabernacle of our American Moses, 
which he used not only here at Valley Forge, but at 
many places through the long struggle for American 
independence. In one end of Washington's marquee 
are the webbing and iron hooks from which the curtain 
hung which made a part of the tent his most private 
quarters. This formed the sleeping apartment of 
Washington, and here he retired to meditate upon the 
problems which confronted him, and here, as under 
the woodland bower, he went to his God for guidance 
and support. 



2o6 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

Miss Frances B. Lovell, a descendant of Betty 
Lewis, the only sister of General George Washington, 
has loaned to the Valley Forge Museum of American 
History, at Valley Forge, founded by the Rev. W. 
Herbert Burk, of Norristown, Pa., the flag which 
floated over General Washington's headquarters at 
Valley Forge during that memorable encampment. The 
flag has been framed and is now on exhibition, along 
with Washington's marquee, which was occupied by 
the Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the United 
States as his headquarters tent during his first week at 
Valley Forge. 

The flag in the Valley Forge Museum is a light 
blue silk jack with thirteen stars, the blue faded and 
the stars yellow with age. It is thirty-six inches long 
and twenty-eight inches wide. The heading is of home- 
spun linen, with three eyelets worked with thread. The 
stars are six-pointed, double stitched, and the silk back 
of them has been cut out to show the stars on both 
sides. The stars are not arranged in a circle, but on 
lines following the crosses of the British flag. 

While the flag is only borrowed, the marquee 
above referred to is the property of the museum, having 
been purchased for $500. 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



207 



FULL LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS TO THE WASHING- 
TON HEADQUARTERS VALLEY FORGE FUND, BY 
CAMPS, COMMANDERIES AND MEMBERS OF THE 
PATRIOTIC ORDER SONS OF AMERICA, AND A 
FEW OTHERS. MARCH i, 1886, TO AUGUST 10, 1886, 
PRIOR TO DATE OF REORGANIZATION OF THE 
CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION OF 
VALLEY FORGE, NOVEMBER 9, 1886. 
No. and Date 
of State Camp 
Sub. Certificate 
1886. 
I, March i. Camp 142, Reiner City, C. N. Haertter, 

Sec'y $ 5.00 

Lexington Com'y No. 2, Reading, Geo. 

Villforth, Scribe 5.00 

Camp 72, Pa., Delano, W. H. Moll, 

Sec'y *20.oo 

Drifton, H. P. Kuntz, 
Sec'y *20.00 



2, 

3. 
4. 
5. 
6, 
7, 
8, 
9. 
10, 

II. 
12, 

13, 

14.. 

IS, 

16, 
17, 

18, 
19, 



I 

I 

I 

I 

I 

I 

I 

3 

3- 

3> 

5, 

5, 

5. 

5. 

6, 
9, 

10, 
10, 



259, 

227, " Ephrata, H. M. Fry, 

Sec'y 10.81 

261, " Audenried, W. A. Bail- 
ey, Sec'y 100.00 

87, " Annville, J. H. Young, 

Sec'y 5.00 

266, " Llewellyn, B. F. Luck- 

enbill 3.00 

249, " Conyngham, L. E. Mil- 
ler, Sec'y 2.50 

53, " Plymouth Meeting, J. 

M. Coulston, Sec'y . . *io.39 
241, " Madisonville, S. H. 

Cartwright, Sec'y 2.50 

91, " Hazleton, D. T. Yost, 

D. P 100.00 

25s, " Sandy Run, J. A. Brand- 

meier, Sec'y . . .• 12.00 

119, " Slatington, O. E. Desh- 

ler, Sec'y 5.00 

7, " Philadelphia, H. J. Sta- 
ger, Treas 100.00 

192, " Palmyra, J. W. Deitrich *3.oo 
62, " Gordon, A. J. Wagner, 

Sec'y 10.00 

260, " Lavelle, G. S. Maurer, 

D. P 20.00 

47, " Schuylkill Haven, A. J. 

Whalen, R. S *20.oo 



2o8 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

20, March lo, Camp 64, Pa., Meyerstown, M. J. Stein- 

er, Chairman $17.20 

21, " 10, " 264, " Friedenburg, J. A. Heff- 

ner, Chairman 16.00 

22, " 16, " TJy " Philadelphia, W. Weand, 

Sec'y 25.00 

23, " 16, " 143, " Drums, J. H. Schnerr, 

Sec'y 7-00 

24, " 17, " 30. " Shamokin, W. H. Lewis, 

Sec'y 25.00 

25, " 17. " 34, " Philadelphia, A. F. 

Souder 25.00 

26 " 20, " 92, " Pottstown, W. S. Royer, 

D. P *I2.00 

27, " 22. " 147, " Freeland, J. A. Seiple, 

Treas. 10.00 

28 " 24, " 193, " South Easton, G. B. 

Thomas, D. P *S-Oo 

29, " 24, " 272, " Sayre, C. H. Welch, 

Sec'y 10.00 

30, •' 25, " 222, " Newberry, H. A. Miller 4.60 
31' " 29, " 178, " Hyde Park, W. H. Coons, 

Sec'y 5-00 

32 " 30, " 124, " Mahanoy City, H. A. 

Klock, D. P *20.oo 

May 4, " 124, " Mahanoy City, H. A. 

Klock, D. P. *Soo 

23, March 30, " 215, " Ambler, J. S. Ford *i.oo 

34, April 10, " 219, " Beaver Meadows, A. D. 

Bittner, Sec'y *4I-I9 

^5 " 12, " 243, " Philadelphia, P. C. Hess, 

P. P ♦iS-OO 

Tune T,, " 243, " Philadelphia, P. C. Hess, 

P. P *I0.00 

36, April 14, Philadelphia Commandery, No. 4, H. J. 

SUfer, Scribe 25.00 

37, " 14, Camp 267, Pa., Collegeville, A. D Fet- 

terolf, Treas 45.25 

38, " 15, " 36, " Pottsville. A. L. Wilder- 

muth, Treas lO.OO 

39, " 27, " 117, " Parryville, T. W. Pettis, 

Sec'y 5-00 

40, " 27, " 154, " Williamstown, Leander 

F. Wolf, Sec'y 25.00 

41, " 27, " 191, " Spring City, Jones Die- 

mer, Sec'y 25.00 

42, " 27, " 96, " New London, G. W. 

Winters, Sec'y 8.00 

43, " 27, " 168, " Humboldt, John Patter- 

son, Sec'y 5-00 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



209 



44. 


April 27, 


Cam 


p 106, 


Fa. 


Centralia, Price T. Lewis, 
Sec'y 


45, 


" 27, 




215, 




Ambler, T. E. Gusman, 
Sec'y 


46, 


" 27, 




94, 




Frankford, Phila., G. P. 
Stanger, D. P 


47, 


" 27, 




86, 




Orwigsburg, J. A. Diefen- 
derfer, Sec'y 


48, 


" 30, 


" 


125, 


" 


Girardville, Philip Blass, 
Sec'y 


49, 


May 3, 


" 


112, 


" 


Shenandoah, J. S. Wil- 




3, 


" 


33, 


<< 


liams, Sec'y 


50, 


West Point, E. M. How- 




4, 


.< 


213, 


" 


land, Sec'y 


51, 


Amityville, Charles H. 












Rhoads, Sec'y 


52, 


4. 




116, 




Mt. Carmel, John Jeffer- 
son 


53. 


5, 


" 


121, 


" 


Conshohocken, T. H. 
Kay, Sec'y 


54, 


5. 


" 


150, 


" 


Valley Forge, J. E. 
Wadsworth, Sec'y .... 


55, 


7, 


" 




San 


Francisco, I. A. Heald.. 


56. 


7, 




233, 


Pa., 


Flemington, Walter 
Frank, Sec'y 


57, 


7, 




72, 




Delano, W. H. Moll, 
Sec'y 


58. 


" 10, 




37, 




Ebervale, George F. 
Belles, Sec'y 


59, 


" 12, 


" 


262, 


" 


Yostville, H. E. Arms, 




" 17. 


" 


237, 


" 


D. P 


60, 


Stouchsburg, S. J. Spohn, 












Sec'y 


61, 


" 19, 


" 


114, 


" 


Norristown, W. C. Ben- 




" 21, 


Garfield C 


omr 


ner, Treas 


62, 


nandery. No. 21, D. H. 






Wehr, Scribf 




63. 


" 21. 


Mon 


tgomery Com.mandery, No. 15, R. T. 




22, 


S. Hallowell 
Camp 218, Pa., 


Scribe 


64. 


Marysville, C. M. Dickin- 












son, Sec'y 


65. 


" 24, 


" 


57, 


*' 


Tamaqua, "W. H. Beyel, 
Sec'y 


66, 


" 27. 


" 


105, 


" 


Berwick, J. M. Whitman, 




" 27, 


" 


108, 


« 


D. P 


67. 


Mauch Chunk, E. F. 












Kuntz, D. P 


68, 


" 28, 




27, 




Lancaster, J. P. Wino- 
wer, D. P 



$5-00 

*I2.50 

25.00 

10.00 
20.00 

50.00 

*i3-75 

500 

25.00 

75.00 

2.50 
1. 00 

500 

*5-00 

10.00 

5.00 

10.00 

100.00 

5.00 

25.00 

40.00 

25.00 

5.00 

4.00 

500 



(^, 


June 


70, 


;; 


1 ^t 

72, 


" 


73- 


" 


74. 


(( 


75, 
76, 


a 



CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

I, Camp 254, Pa., Lebanon, J. Shindel 

Krause, Treas $100.00 

2, " 173, " South Easton, J. H. Walt- 
man, Sec'y 10.00 

2, " 120, " Lansdale, R. A. Shepherd, 
D. P 25.50 

3, " 66, " Frackville, Phil. Merkle, 
Sec'y *ii.oo 

4, " 65, " Lebanon, J. H. Hoffer, 
P. S. P 3100 

5, " 244, " Zionsville, G. S. Weid- 
ner, Sec'y 5-00 

5, John C. Donat, S. A. S., Jarrettown l.oo 

9, Camp 72>, Pa., Cressona, S. C. Wilson, 

Sec'y 25.00 

yy, " 9, H. J. Stager, Trustee for Stockholders in 
International Exhibition Company, be- 
ing net return of sale four shares stock, 
transferred from Centennial Exhibition 
Stock Sale 12.00 

78, " 12, Camp 251, Pa., South Bethlehem, Jas. 

Dimmick, Sec'y 5-00 

79, " 22, " 92, " Pottstown, W. S. Royer, 

D. P *i3.oo 

80, " 22. " 192, " Palmyra, J. W. Deitrich, 

Sec'y *2.oo 

81, " 22. S. M. Helms, Pinegrove, Pa i.oo 

82, " 22, N. MacReynolds, for Montgomery Dis- 

trict Delegates 2.83 

83, " 22, F. A. Davis, Berkeley, Cal 1.00 

84, " 23, Camp 259, Pa., Drifton, H. P. Kuntz, 

Sec'y *3S-00 

85, " 25, " 15s, " Philadelphia, George W. 

Ward, P. P 25.00 

86, " 25, " 242, " Scranton, J. F. Baumeister 6.00 

87, " 25, J. F. Baumeister, Scranton 1.00 

88, " 25, T. F. Heebner, Scranton 1.00 

89, •' 25, H. H. Pfeiffer, Scranton i.oo 

90, " 25, A. F. Stokes, Scranton i.oo 

91, " 25, Camp 33, Pa., West Point, E. M. How- 

land, Sec'y *li.25 

92, " 26, " 257, " Pittston, C. G. Hammond, 

Sec'y 2.00 

93, " 28, " 50, " Philadelphia, Wm. H. 

Dawson, Treas 16.00 

94, July 2, " 132, " Catawissa, W. D. Grant, 

Sec'y 5.00 

95, " 2, " 78, " Hamburg, A. J. Seaman, 

Sec'y 7-28 

96, " 6, M. B. Brenamin, Saxton i.oo 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 211 

97, July 6, J. F. Enyeart, Saxton $1.00 

98, " 6, W. E. Simons, Saxton 1.25 

99, " 6, J. P. Johnson, Saxton i.oo 

100, " 6, J. E. Neary, Saxton i.io 

Id, " 6, Levi F. Putt, Saxton i.io 

102, " 6, David Davis, Saxton i.oo 

103, " 6, William Witmer, Saxton i.oo 

104, " 6, J. W. Hamilton, Saxton i.oo 

105, " 6, I. K. Little, Saxton i.oo 

106, " 6, James H. Kay, Saxton i.oo 

107, " 6, John McCray, Saxton i.io 

108, " 6, D. F. White, Saxton i.oo 

109, " 6, Martin Eichelberger, Saxton i.oo 

no, " 6, Camp 185, Saxton, D. B. Smith, Sec'y... 10.45 

HI, " 13, R. C. Lashell, Reedsville i.oo 

112, " 15, Camp III, Pa., Philadelphia, W. H. John- 

son, D. P 25.00 

113, " 16, " 134, " Port Carbon, C. F. Reiter, 

Sec'y 3-50 

114, " 20, " 89, " Reading, I. S. Smith, 

Sec'y 50.00 

115, " 20, " 230, " St. Lawrence, D. J. Brum- 

bach, Sec'y 5.00 

116, " 22, " 31, " Altoona, George Boate, 

Sec'y *2S.oo 

117, " 22, " 51, " Bridgeport, L. D. Buck- 

ley, Sec'y *l.oo 

118, " 23, " 215, " Ambler, T. E. Gusman, 

Sec'y *i7-50 

119, " 23, " 270, " Philadelphia, F. M. May- 

hew, 'Treas 25.00 

120, " 24, " 97, " Alburtis, J. P. Hartman, 

Sec'y 1500 

121, " 26, " 53, " Plymouth Meeting, J. 

M. Coulston, Sec'y .... *i4.6i 

122, " 27, Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, for Philadelphia 

Contributors 105.00 

123, " 27, Camp 157, Pa., Williamsport, W. T. 

Sauers, D. P *6.oo 

124, " 28, " 14, " Pottsville, C. F. Hiney, 

Treas 25.00 

125, " 28. S. J. Woelfley, Jonestown 2.00 

126, " 28, Camp 148, Pa., Wiconisco, C. Ed. L. 

Keene, Sec'y 7.00 

127, " 28, " 253, " Summit Hill, William R. 

Miller, Sec'y 10.00 

128, " 29, " 274, " Terre Hill, H. Heiden- 

rich, Sec'y 10.00 

129, " 29, " 103, " Fleetwood, A. M. Dumm, 

Sec'y I.oo 



212 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

130, July 29, Camp 161, Pa., Lock Haven, B. A. Fah- 

ringer, Sec'y $5.00 

131, " 29, J. Shindel Krause, Lebanon 2.00 

132, " 29, Camp 252, Pa., Lansford, J. H. Cressman, 

Sec'y 7.00 

133, " 30, Dr. J. M. Cooper, S. V. P $-75 

134, " 30. E. B. Clayton, Chester 1.20 

I35- " 30. Henry Roberts, Chester i.oo 

136, " 30, Camp 238, Pa., Lykens, A. F. Fennel!, 

Sec'y 7.00 

137, " 30- " 104. " Boyertown, M. H. Scheal- 

er, Sec'y 10.00 

138, " 30, " 269, " Dubois, W. D. Tenny, 

Sec'y lO.CX) 

139, " 31, " 239, " White Haven, H. M. 

Leonard, Sec'y 15.00 

140, " 31, " I, Conn., New Haven, A. S. 

Welch, Sec'y 2.00 

141, " 31, " 149, Pa., Shamokin, A. S. Clark- 

son, Sec'y 25.00 

142, " 31, " 224, " Jarrettown, J. C. Donat 25.00 

143, " 31, " 206, " Shenandoah, Wm. H. 

Reinbold, Sec'y 10.00 

144, " 31, " 63, " Allentown, William G. 

Hofifman, Sec'y 10.00 

14s, Aug. 2, J. W. Simon, Hopew^ell I.oo 

146, " 2, J. W. Wilson, Hopewell i.oo 

147, " 2, J. F. Niggs, Hopewell i.oo 

148, " 2, J. T. Painter, Hopewell i.oo 

149, ■' 2, John C. Norton, Hopewell i.oo 

150, " 2, J. A. Eichelberger, Hopewell i.oo 

151, " 2, G. B. Fluke, Hopewell i.oo 

152, " 2, W. S. Painter, Hopewell i.oo 

153, " 2, Geo. S. Blatchferd, Hopewell i.oo 

154, " 2, A. J. Snowberger, Hopewell i.oo 

155, " 2, J. F. Benner, Hopewell I.oo 

156, " 2, J. S. Ritchey, Hopewell i.oo 

157, " 2, W. H. Dodson, Hopewell i.oo 

158, '■ 2, A. J. Leth, Hopewell i.oo 

159, " 2, Edw. Bowser, Hopewell i.oo 

160, " 2, J. L. Vetter, Hopewell i.oo 

161, " 2, William Ross, Hopewell i.oo 

162, " 2, John Evans, Hopewell I.oo 

163, " 2, Camp 79, Pa., Hopewell, L. G. Eichel- 

berger, Sec'y 1. 25 

164, " 3, " 235, " Lost Creek, Geo. W. 

Johnson, Sec'y 5-00 

165, " 3, " 100, " New Ringgold, H. D. 

Koch, Sec'y 10.00 

166, " 4, T. H. Bruner, Jonestown i.oo 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 213 

167, Aug. 4, Camp 95, Pa., Chalfont, H. S. Delp.... $7.25 

168, " 4, " I, D. of A., Philadelphia, Miss 

Agatha S. Beamer 25.00 

169, " 4, H. P. Kutz, Myerstown i.oo 

170, " 4, Camp 66, Pa., Frackville, Phil. Merkle, 

Sec'y *S.oo 

171, " s, Samuel Reiser, Pinegrove i.oo 

172, " 5, Daniel J. Gensemer, Pinegrove i.oo 

173, " 5, J. Lyman Zimmerman, Pinegrove i.oo 

174, " 5, Frederick E. Stees, Pinegrove i.oo 

175, " 5, Charles E. Logan, Pinegrove i.oo 

176, " 5, Geo. W. Gensemer, Pinegrove i.oo 

177, " 5, Camp 49, Pa., Pinegrove, F. E. Stees, 

Sec'y 120.20 

178, " 5, " 196, " Allentown, A. D. Berger, 

D. P 20.00 

179, " 6, P. C. Hess, Philadelphia i.oo 

180, " 6, Willis C. Tobias, Reading i.oo 

181, " 6, Geo. W. Schwartz, Reading i.oo 

182, " 6, J. A. Batt, Reading i.oo 

183, " 6, Ed. Printz, Reading i.oo 

184, " 6, William Printz, Reading i.oo 

185,' " 6, Reynold Seiders, Reading i.oo 

186, " 6, F. S- Tobias, Reading i.oo 

187, " 6. Camp 163, Pa., Reading, F. S. Tobias, 

Sec'y 500 

188, " 6, William Weand, Philadelphia i.oo 

189, " 6, Rev. E. M. Chilcord, Trevorton i.oo 

190, " 6, J. H. Ward, Trevorton i.oo 

191, " 6, Grant Kline, Trevorton i.oo 

192, " 6, H. A. Schrader, Trevorton i.oo 

193, " 6, Camp 156, Pa., Trevorton, Thos. L. 

Mort, Sec'y 3.20 

194, " 7. Robert A. Shepherd, D. P., Lansdale 5.00 

19s, " 7, Camp 80, Pa., Mann's Choice, J. H. Mar- 

kle, Sec'y 7.00 

196, " 7, M. C. Kriebel, West Point I.oo 

197, " 7, M. H. Hartzell, West Point i.oo 

198, " 7, Camp 51, Pa., Bridgeport, L. D. Buck- 

ley, Sec'y *l.oo 

199, " 7, " 58, " Jonestown, T. H. Bruner, 

Sec'y 300 

200, " 9, Val. Raudenbush, Philadelphia i.oo 

201, " 9, Camp 6, Pa., Souderton, M. D. Zendt, 

Sec'y 25.00 

202, " 9. " 231, " Mt. Carmel, E. W. HoflF- 

man, Sec'y 7.00 

203, " 9, " 247, " Landingville, D. C. 

Brown lo.oo 



214 CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 

204, Aug. 9, Camp 31, Pa., Altoona, Camp 31, meet- 

ing collection *$i5.io 

205, " 9, William J. Leeder, Bedford i.oo 

206, " 9, George W. H. Thomas, Bridgeport 3.00 

207, " 9, H. J. Stager, S. P., Philadelphia 9.35 

208, " 9, J. H. Haas, Springfield, Ohio i.oo 

209, " 9, Camp 53, Ohio, Burgoon, J. T. Fleming, 

Sec'y 4-75 

210, " 10, " 240, Pa., Douglasville, E. P. Van 

Reed, Sec'y 3.00 

211, " 10, " 268, " Reynoldsville, A. L. Best, 

D. P 500 

212, " 10, " 8, " Philadelphia, S. H. Beamer, 

Sec'y 5.00 

213, " 10, " I, " Philadelphia, T. H. Wink- 

worth,, Sec'y 10.00 

214, " 10, " 67, " Womelsdorf, W. D. Filbert, 

Sec'y 500 

215, " 10, " 43, " Chester, E. B. Clayton, 

Treas 5.00 

216, " 10, " 123, " Phoenixville, C. H. Howell, 

Sec'y 5-50 

217, " 10, " 208, " Stockton, D. Curnow, Sec'y *7.29 

218, " 10, " 221, " Oley Line, J. S. Snyder, 

Sec'y 5-00 

219, " 10. " 76, " Tremont, W. V. Lehman, 

Sec'y 300 

220, " 10, " 167, " Mahanoy City, O. C. Lewis, 

Treas 10.00 

221, " 10, " 46, " Minersville, C. W. Phillips, 

Sec'y 5.00 

222, " 10, " . 5, Conn., Meriden, J. H. Parker, 

Sec'y 4.00 

223, " 10, " 47, Pa., Schuylkill Haven, J. Pt. 

Helms,, P. N. P *5.oo 

224, " 10, " 219, " Beaver Meadows, A. D. 

Bittner, Sec'y *7-00 

225, " 10. " 194, " Sunbury, W. P. Roberts, 

Sec'y 5-00 

226, " 10, " 248, " Moscow, O. J. Gage, Sec'y 5.90 

227, " 10, " 263, " Newton Hamilton, L. L- 

Martin, Sec'y 5-00 

328, " ID, " 7, N. J., Trenton, J. S. Greenv/ald, 

D. P im 

229, " 10, George W. Gable i.oo 

230, " 10, Camp 208, Pa., Stockton *i7.7i 

231, " 10, " 179, " Weatherley 5.00 

232, " 10, " 157. " Williamsport *i9.oo 

233, " 10, William M. Singerly, Philadelphia 50.00 

234, " 10, Camp no. Pa., Elizabethville 3.00 



ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 



215 



235, Aug. 

236, 

237, 

238, 

239, 

240, " 

241, " 

242, " 
243, 

244, 
24s. 
246, " 

247, 
248, 

249, 
250, 
251, 
252, 
253. 
254. 
255. 
256, 
257, 
258, 
259. 

260, " 

261, " 
262, 

263, 



10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10. 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 
10, 



Camp 71, Pa., Ashland $11.48 

William R. Rorer, Philadelphia i.oo 

Camp, 84, Pa., Ashland 10.00 

" 202, " Sugar Valley 5-00 

Charles Hoernle, Reading 3-00 

E. L. Hoffer, Reading 3-00 

Cyrus Dissinger, Bismarck i.oo 

A. L. Camany, Bismarck i.oo 

James M. Dissinger, Bismarck i.oo 

John A. Benner, Bismarck i.oo 

Joseph E. Dissinger, Bismarck i.oo 

A. M. Eby, Bismarck i.oo 

Cyrus Crist, Bismarck i.oo 

I.oo 

I.oo 

I.oo 

I.oo 

I.oo 

I.oo 



W. L. Ridgway, Bismarck 
John H. Mease, Bismarck . . 
John H. Kaufman, Bismarck 
A. B. Zimmerman, Bismarck 
John M. Eby, Bismarck .... 
Dr. S. A. Brecht, Bismarck . 



Camp 265, Pa., Ringtown *s.oo 

" 61, " Reading 25.00 

" loi, " Philadelphia 5-00 

" 137, " Plymouth 4.00 

" 85, " Weishampie S-Oo 

Charles W. Hoch, Weishampie 2.00 

William Weightman, Philadelphia 50.00 

A. M. Collins, Philadelphia 10.00 

Camp 165, Pa., Leesport 300 

246, " Portland 5-00 



Received from Mt. Gretna Fete, held Sept. 29, 1886. 
Credit of Lebanon County Camps 



$2912.36 
458.62 



Total _. . .$3370.98 

Amount paid over to Centennial and Memorial Association 

of Valley Forge $3370-98 

♦Other contributions later or previous by the same Camps. 



Later Appropriations by the Pennsylvania State Camp, 
Patriotic Order Sons of America, 

In year 1888 in State Convention sessions $100.00 

In year 1889 in State Convention sessions 450.00 

In year 1890 in State Convention sessions 500.00 

In year 1896 in State Convention sessions 250.00 

In year 1900 in State Convention sessions 100.00 

$1400 CO 




U. S. COAT OF ARMS 



fVPPENDIX 

Valley Forge Headquarters Corporation Dissolved 

QUESTION : How to Distribute Fund ? 



IN THE COURT OF COMMON 
PLEAS OF MONTGO:\IEEY COUNTY, 
I'ENNiSYLVANIA. 

OF JUNE TERM, A. D. 1910, NO. 
32. 

"in RE-AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNT OF 
THE CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL 
ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE 
ON PETITION FOR DISTRIBUTION. 



TO THE HONORABLE, 
JUDGES OF SAID COURT: 



THE 



THE UNDERSIGNED, appointed 
Auditor to make distribution of the fund 
of fifteen thousa'nd, five hundred and 
sixty-six dollars and fifty cents ($15,566.- 
50j remaining in the hands of the direc- 
tors and officers of said Asociation, and 
of its accrued and accruing interest, to 
the parties legally entitled to the same, 
and to report his findings of fact and 
•'oiiclusions of law, 

RESPECTFULLY REPORTS: 

1. That, after having been duly quali- 
fied, and after giving due public and 
timely notice once a week for three weeks, 
in the daily newspapers of Norristown, 
to wit: The "Herald," "Times" and 
"Riegister" and in the "Montgomery 
County Law Reporter," of the time and 
place of holding his first meeting, as di- 
rected by the Court, he was met, in pur- 
suance of said notice, at his office. No. 
1 East Airy street, i-n the borough of 
Norristown, Pa., on Tuesday, the 26th 
day of July, A. D. 1910, at 10 o'clock 
A. M., by the following persons, viz: 

Hon. R. H. Koch and James H. Wolfe, 
Esq., attorneys for H. J. Stager, secre- 
ta,ry of The Centennial and Memorial As- 
sociation of Valley Forge, and trustee 
for P. 0. S. of A. holding 3600 shares of 
stock in said association, and as an in- 
dividual shareholder; 

Ex-Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker, 
Richmond L. Jones, Esq., and J. P. 
Hale Jenkins, Esq., attorneys for the 
Commissioners of Valley Forge Park; 

Mrs. Joseph Fornance. Regent, and 
Miss Emeline H. Hooven, attorney re- 
presenting the Valley Forge Chapter of 
the Daughters of the American Revolu- 
tion ; 

Rev. W. Herbert Burk, representing 
bixnself and others, as shareholders; and 
H. J. Stager. 

2. The fund for distribution was claim- 
ed by shareholders, by the Commissioners 



of Valley Forge Park, and by the Daugh- 
ters of the American Revolution. 

3. The allegations and proofs of the 
claimants were heard, reduced to writing, 
and are hereto attached. 

4. A second meeting was held, after 
enlargement of the order to the Auditor, 
at the same place, on Friday, the 16th day 
of September, 1910, at 10 o'clock, A. 
M., which was attended by Counsel for 
H. J. Stager, Trustee, the Attorneys for 
the Commissioners of Valley Forge Park, 
ana by H. J. Stager; and further testi- 
mony was taken and argument of Coun- 
S'.i was heard. 

5. A third meeting was held on the 5th 
October, 1910, at the office of the Audi- 
tor, which was attended by Hon. R. H. 
Koch, of Counsel for H. J. Stager, Sec- 
retary of The Centennial and Memorial 
Association of Valley Forge; Hon. Sam- 
uel W. Pennypacker and J. P. Hale 
Jenkins, E.sq., of Counsel for the Valley 
Forge Park Commission; and Miss Eme- 
liue H. Hooven, Attorney for the Valley 
Forge Chapter, Daughters of the Ameri- 
can Revolution; and H. J. Stager, and 
Mrs. Rebecca Mclnnes, Regent of The 
Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge. Miss Hooven presented 
re<r.olutions adopted by the Valley Forge 
Chapter, D. A. R., claiming the fund 
for distribution "on account of Mrs. 
Anna Morris Hqlstein being the organizer 
and First Regent of the Valley Forge 
Centennial and Memorial Association, 
and also organizer and First Regent 
of the Valley Forge Chapter, D. A. R.; 
authorizing the present Regent, Mrs. El- 
len Knox Fornance, and her Attorney, 
Miss Emeline Henry Hooven, to appear 
before the Auditor and request him to 
award said fund to said Valley Forge 
Cliapter, D. A. R.; declaring, on receiv- 
ing said money, they will use the same 
to erect, at Valley Forge, a monument in 
hcnor of Washington and the Continen- 
t..J Army encamped at Valley Forge; 
and appointing Miss Hooven the Attor- 
ney for said Chapter. 

6. Subsequently much time was spent 
ID completing and correcting the list of 
stockholders furnished by Mr. Stager, and 
comparing the same with the stock books, 
etc., which are stored at Washington's 
Headquarters, in charge of the Valley 
Forge Park Commission. 

HISTORY OF THE CASE. 
The Centennial and Memorial Associa- 
tion of Valley Forge. 
"The Centennial and Memorial Asso- 
ciation of Valley Forge" was duly ineor- 



217 



2l8 



porated under the General Corporation 
Act of 29th April, 1874, and its Supple- 
ments, by the Court of Common Pleas 
of Montgomery County, Penna., on the 
5th July, A. D. 1878. It was the out- 
growth of "The Valley Forge Centennial 
Association," which had successfully ar- 
ranged for and carried out the celebration 
of the 100th Anniversary of the Evacua- 
tion of Valley Forge. To the noble band 
of patriotic women, aided by a few lib- 
eral-hearted citizens, who composed the 
Centennial Association, was assigned the 
task of deciding upon a fitting memorial 
to commemorate the first great event of 
the occupation and evacuation of the 
hills, forts and earthworks of Valley 
Forge and the close of the first century 
here. "It was suggested that no more 
fitting memorial could be designed than 
Washington's Headquarters, which had 
already stood the storms of more than 
one hundred years, and was filled with 
precious memories of the great Chieftain 
whose home it had been during the most 
trying memorable days of the Revolu- 
tionary struggle." 

The purpose of the Association, as ex- 
pressed in its Charter, was "to pur- 
chase, improve and preserve the lands 
and improvements thereon, occupied by 
General George Washington, at Valley 
Forge, and maintain them as a memorial 
park for all time to come." 

The Association was authorized to have 
a Capital Stock not exceeding $500,000, 
the par value thereof not to be less than 
One Dollar per share. 

The business was to be transacted in 
Montgomery County, Pa., and the Char- 
ter was to be perpetual. 

The incorporators were Wm. H. Hol- 
stein, of Upper Merion; John D. Eck- 
man, of Upper Merion; Theo. W. Bean, 
of Norristown, Pa.; Anna M. Holstein, 
of Upper Merion; Rebecca Mclnnes, of 
Bridgeport; Helen C. Hooven, of Nor- 
ristown, Pa., and J. P. Hale Jenkins, 
of Norristown, Pa. 

The By-Laws provided for the sale of 
shares of stock, the issue of Certificates 
therefor to subscribers, and the transfer 
and voting of the same; also, for holding 
annual and special stockholders' meet- 
ings. The officers were to consist of a 
Regent, two Vice Regents, Secretary, 
Treasurer, twenty-one Directors, and an 
Executive Committee of five members, se- 
lected annually by the Board of Direc- 
tors from their number. The Executive 
Committee were to have direct manage- 
ment and supervision of the Headquar- 
ters and other property, and the collec- 
tion and arrangement of relics, make ex- 
penditures of such funds as the directors 
might, from time to time, direct, meet 
quarterly, inspect the property, and re- 
port to the Directors. 



Mrs. Anna M. Holstein was elected as 
the first Regent. The patriotic women 
who were actively connected with the 
Association appealed to patriotic sisters 
throughout the country, and by personal 
contributions, fetes and various entertain- 
ments, collected about $3000. 

The Association, in 1879, purchased 
Washington's Headquarters, including 1% 
acres of land, for $6000, one-half of 
which was secured by mortgage. The 
land adjoining the Headquarters was 
rented to a tenant. A Janitor's Lodge 
was erected. An acre or more of addi- 
tional ground, including the Washington 
Camp Spring, were purchased in 1889, 
as Avas also, in 1904, the adjoining prop- 
erty known as the Crawford property, 
holding the stone barn which served as 
a Hospital during the Revolutionary en- 
campment. 

The Association acquired altogether 
about five acres of ground and expended 
about $14,000 upon the purchase. A 
House Executive Committee had super- 
vision of the property affairs. A War- 
den was employed at a salary of $360 
per annum, with free house rent and 
privileges of ground. Absolutely no re- 
turn was made for service except to the 
Warden; all others performed their du- 
ties without recompense, and attended 
the meetings at their own expense. 

The Headquarters and grounds were 
thrown open to the public, but an ad- 
mission fee of ten cents each was charged 
to enter the Headquarters. Other sources 
of income were the sale of Certificates 
of Stock, pictures and mementoes, and 
donations of small sums of money, $5.00 
or $10.00, aggregating between 1886 and 
1893 about $50.00. 

The revenues of the Association, des- 
pite the efforts of its members, were in- 
sufficient to pay the accruing interest of 
the $3000 mortgage against the Head- 
quarters. An earnest and successful ap- 
peal for aid was made to the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, at its Convention 
held at Norristown, in 1885. An officia? 
excursion was made to Valley Forge dur- 
ing the Convention days. Later on, dur- 
ing the administration of Henry J. Stag- 
er, State President, the State Executive 
Committee held a meeting at Headquar- 
ters, in January, 1886, and unqualifiedly 
endorsed the patriotic project to liqui- 
date the debt then resting upon Wash- 
ington's Headquarters at Valley Forge, 
and resolved to give the fullest aid, sup- 
port and official influence towards a 
successful achievement of the noble 
work. 

In the following year the order paii 
all the indebtedness of the association, 
including the $3000 mortgage, and re- 
ceived in return 3600 shares of stock 
and a controlling voice in the manage- 
ment of the association. 



219 

In 1887 (Act ISth April, 1887 P. L. 37) the Legislature provided for the 

52), the State Legislature appropriated acquisition of additional ground for park 

$5000 for the improvement, extension purposes, in all not exceeding five hun- 

and preservation of the lands and build- dred acres, "but not including * * * 

ings occupied by General George Wash- Washington's Headquarters *" * * own- 

mgton, as his headquarters at Valley ed bv the Centennial and Memorial As- 

Forge, during the winter of 1777 ani sociation of Valley Forge," and providino- 

1778. With this money the headquar- for police regulations. The Hon. Sam" 

ters were restored to their original con- uel W. Pennvpacker, of counsel for the 

dition so far as possible, a janitor's Park Commissioners, was then Governor, 

lodge was erected, the grounds were im- and approved the act. 

proved generally and additional land The commission, in its report of 1904 

was purchased. More than seven thou- called attention to the ten cent fee 

sand visitors were yearly attracted to charged for admission to Washington's 

this beautiful arui hallowed spot. Headquarters, and recommended the ac- 
quisition of the property bv the State. 

THE VALLEY FORGE PARK COM- Favorable action was taken ^ by the Leg- 

MISSION islature at its next session. 

In 1905, acconJingly (Act 7th April, 

The Valley Forge Park Commission was 1905, P. L. 117) the same Governor 

created under the act of 30th May, 1893, V^^yf ^t Possible, by his approval of the 

P. L. 183, "for the acquisition' bv the legislative act to acquire still more 

State of certain ground at Vallev Forge ground for public park purposes m all 

for a nublic nark " and the Lpaislature ^^ot exceeding 1000 acres, BUT NOT, AS 

appr'opSed'Ihe' sum of $25,000 To ^FIRETOFORE EX^^^ 

wards the acquisition of title to, and ?.^t?^Wi^^^ ^T^^^^.W^l^S??.-^!? 

ownership of, the ground covering the Q^ARTEPuS OWiN ED BY T^ 

site on which the Continental Army, TENNIAL AND MEMORIAL ASSO- 

under General George Washington, was CIATION OF VALLEY FORGE. 

encamped during the winter of 1777-8, In 1907 (Act of 28th May, 1907, P. 

comprising about two hundred and fifty L., 285,) the Park Commissioners were 

acres, "BUT NOT INCLUDING empowered to grant to railroad compa- 

THEREIN THE PROPERTY KNOWN nies the right to connect their termini 

AS WASHINGTON'S HEADQUAR- by tunnel beneath the park, without 

TERS AND NOW OWNED BY THE encroachment upon or interference with 

CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL AS- the surface of the park. 
SOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE." 

^^ ^ . . ^ . ^ STATE APPROPRIATIONS. 

ihe Commission was to comprise ten 
citizens of the State, appointed by the Since the creation of the Park Com- 
Governor, Hon. Robert E. Pattison. They mission the Legislature has made appro- 
were to serve five years Avithout compen- priations to it as follows: 
sation. They were to organize annually. 1893. For the purchase or con- 
Provision was made for supplying va- demnation of lands and 
cancies. They were authorized and di- making the old forts 
rected to secure said grounds and after- and intrenchments ac- 
wards adopt plans for their improve- cessible to the pubKc. . $25,000 
ment, preservation and maintenance, aiiii 1895. To complete the purchase 
carry the same into execution. or condemnation money 

In 1895 (Act 3d July, 1895, P. L. for lands already taken 
508) the Legislature made an additional by the State for a pub- 
appropriation of $10,000 to complete the be park known as Val- 

purchase or as condemnation money for ley Forge 10,000 

lands taken for a public park by the 1901. For laying out 

Park Commissioners, and authorizing the and maintenance 

Commissioners to accept, on behalf of of roads and 

the State, gifts of money or adjacent or paths $2,000 

contiguous lands for the purposes _ of Incidental and 

a public park; and to permit the United necessary e x - 

States of America or any of the States penses of Com- 

thereof, to erect monuments or other missioners .... 200 

memorials on park grounds upon terms 2,200 

and cpnditions deemed suitable to the ^qq^ p^^. p.^rehase or 

Commissioners. ^ ^ ^ ^ emnation 

In 1901 (Act of 18th July, 1910, P. money $61,000 

L. 748) $2000 of a $7500 appropriation Laying out and 

Avas approved for the purpose of laying maintenance of 

out and maintaining new roads and paths roads 5,500 

in said park. F e n c i n g the 

In 1908 (Act 19th March, 1903, P. L. lands 2,500 



220 



Balance due 

upon judgment 

against the 

Commonwealth 

for lands con- 
demned 1,500 

Future care, 

preservation and 

maintenance of 

redoubts and in- 

trench ments 

and lands S,.500 

Incidental and 

necessarjr e x- 

penses of Com- 
missioners 500 



1909. 



74,500 



1905. For purchase or 
con demnation 
monejr of lands$40,000 

Laying out and im- 
provement f 
roads 45,250 

Painting and 
construction of 

fences 3,500 

Securing water 
supply 1,000 

Purchase and erec- 
tion of proper 
markers of po- 
sition of troops. 3,000 

Erection and 
construction o f 
observatory . . . 5,000 

Maintenance o f 
redoubts and in- 
trenchments and 
future care of 
lands and em- 
ployment of su- 
perintendent . . 13,615 

Erection and 
construction o f 
a stable 500 

Purchasing o 1 d 
cannon 500 

Planting trees. . . 500 

Purchasing f e r - 
tilizers and 
work on lawns 1,200 

Erection of 3 
guard houses. . . 750 

Necessary e x - 
penses of Com- 
missioners .... 1,000 



-$115,815 



1907. 



etc. 
and 



Maintenance 
of roads 
paths . 

Construction o f 
fences and paint- 
ing same and 
observatory . . . 

Erection of 
markers show- 
ing location of 
Penna. Brigades 



20,000 



500 



8,000 



28,500 



Building and 
m a i n t enance, 
etc., of roads 
and paths 15,000 

Purchase and 
planting of 
trees and shrub- 
bery 1,000 

M a i n t e n a nee, 
etc., of redoubts 
and intrench- 
ments and care 
of lands, etc. . . 30,000 

Providing lawns. 1,500 

Necessary ex- 
penses of Com- 
missioners .... 1,000 

Building gun 

carriages 2,600 

51,100 

$307,115 

It may be permissible to say, in pass- 
ing, that of this total appropriation, 
$190,315, or nearly two-thirds thereof, 
were approved by the Hon. Samuel W. 
Pennypacker, then Governor and now of 
counsel for the Park Commission, while 
Governor Stone, in 1901, approved of only 
$2200 of an appropriation of $13,000 ask- 
ed for, and Governor Stuart, in 1907 and 
1909, cut down a desired appropriation of 
$177,730 to $79,600. 

CONDEMNATION OF WASHING- 
TON'S HEADQUARTERS. 

On the 3d of July, 1905, the Park Com- 
missioners, being JOHN W. WOOD- 
SIDE, W. H. SAYEN, EWARD A. 
PRICE, A. H. BOWEN, HENRY A. 
MUHLENBERG, SAMUEL S. HART- 
RANFT, J. P. HALE JENKINS, M. G. 
BRUMBAUGH, JOHN P. NICHOLSON 
and W. A. PATTON, presented their pe- 
tition to the Court of Quarter Sessions of 
the Peace in and for Montgomery Coun- 
ty, Pa., setting forth, inter alia, the 
Acts of Assembly relating to the Com- 
mission and the acquisition of land for 
Valley Forge Park; that by resolution 
passed by said Commission on the 26th 
of June, 1905, it appropriated for park 
purposes a tract of 4.98 acres of land be- 
longing to the Centennial and Memorial 
Association of Valley Forge, popularly 
known as Washington's Headquarters at 
Valley Forge; and they were unable to 
agree with the Association upon a price 
therefor; and praying, in behalf of said 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the 
appointment of a jury to ascertain and 
determine the value which should be paid 
to the Association for the premises ap- 
propriated and condemned. 

On the same day a jury of three viewers 
was appointed by the court, and an order 
issued to them to view and value said 
premises. 

The Centennial and Memorial Associa- 



221 



tion of Valley Forge filed a bill in equity 
in said court for an injunction to restrain 
the Park Commissioners from proceeding 
under said order of the court, but a rule 
to show cause why a preliminary injunc- 
tion should not issue was discharged by 
the court. 

At the hearings before the viewers it 
appeared in evidence that the State had 
appropriated (Act 13th April, 1887, P. 
L. 52) to the Centennial and Memorial 
Association of Valley Forge the sum of 
$5000 to improve, extend and preserve 
Washington's Headquarters. 

On the 9th of November, 1905, the 
viewers assessed the damages sustained 
by said Association at $18,000, and on 
the 4th of December, 1905, filed their re- 
port in court, and the same was confirm- 
ed nisi, and subsequently, 9th of May, 
1906, absolutely, no exceptions! having 
been filed. 

DISSOLUTION PROCEEDINGS. 

The Centennial and Memorial Associa- 
tion of Valley Forge, having been de- 
prived of all its property, real and per- 
sonal, by the above-mentioned condem- 
nation proceedings on behalf of the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania, presented its 
petition to said court on the 2d of May, 
1910, setting forth^ inter alia, its in- 
corporation, its purpose, the defeat of its 
purpose by said condemnation, the reso- 
lution of a majority in interest of the 
stockholders of said Association to dis- 
solve, the authorization and direction of 
the Regent and Secretary of the Asso- 
ciation by the Directors to institute dis- 
solution proceedings, that the Associa- 
tion has no debts and is not subject to 
taxation, and that the Treasurer, J. M. 
Stauffer, has a cash balance of $15,566.50 
in his hands for ddstrdbution by the 
court, as shown by an account attached 
to the petition; and praying the court 
for permission to surrender its powers 
and a decree of dissolution. The Treas- 
urer's account shows that the balance, 
$15,566.50, is on deposit in the First Na- 
tional Bank of Hazleton, Pa., drawing in- 
terest at the rate of 3 per cent, per an- 
num from 12tli of April, 1910, and that 
the same was duly audited and also ap- 
proved by the Directors of the Associa- 
tion. 

The court on the same day fixed a 
hearing for the 18th of June, 1910, and 
directed notice thereof to be given by 
publication. 

PARK COMMISSIONERS' BILL IN 
EQUITY. 

On the 9th of June, 1910, W. H. Say- 
en, J. P. Nicholson, Samuel S. Hartranft, 
J. P. Hale Jenkins, M. G. Brumbaugh, 
W. A. Patton, Richmond L. Jones, John 
W. Jordan, John T. Windrum and A. H. 
Bowen, Commissioners of Valley Forge 
Park, plaintiffs, filed in said court against 



the Centennial and Memorial Association 
of Valley Forge, defendant, their bill in 
equity, being No. 1, June Term, 1910, set- 
ting forth, inter alia, the incorporation 
of the defendant association, its acquisi- 
tion by subscriptions and voluntary con- 
tributions of Washington's Headquarters 
at Valley Forge IN TRUST "as a Memo- 
rial Park for all time to come," the acqui- 
sition of the same by the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, whereby defendant As- 
sociation became functus officio; the crea- 
tion of the Commissioners of Valley 
Forge, their possession of the property of 
defendant association, and their charge 
"with every trust relating thereto as suc- 
cessors! of the said association; said con- 
demnation proceedings, and also said dis- 
solution proceedings; that upon dissolu- 
tion there would be no lawful custodian 
of the fund in the hands of the Treasurer 
of defendant association; and that the 
Commissioners of Valley Forge Park, be- 
ing charged by law with the care of the 
property to which the said trust fund 
is dedicated, are, therefore, the logical 
successors to said trust fund; and pray- 
ing the court to appoint plaintiffs, ex- 
officio, successors to the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge as 
Trustee of said trust fund, and to direct 
payment of the same to said successors." 

DECREE OF DISSOLUTION. 

At the hearing on the application for 
dissolution on the 18th of June, 1910, the 
plaintiffs in said bill in equity were duly 
represented. The court decreed, inter 
alia, that said Association be dissolved 
and its powers, franchises and privileges 
be thereby extinguished and determined, 
the decree to go into effect upon filing 
a certified copy thereof and recording the 
same in the office of the Secretary of the 
Commonwealth; and that the accounts 
of the directors and officers attached to 
the petition be thereby approved and con- 
firmed. 

ORDER OF DISTRIBUTION. 

On the same day, 18th June, 1910, 
the Court further directed that said fund 
should be distributed, there being several 
claimants desiring to submit proofs and 
allegations of their rights and title to 
the fund, and appointed the present 
Auditor to make distribution of the same 
and its accrued and accruing interest, to 
the parties legally entitled thereto. The 
Court, at the same time, referred to the 
filing of said Bill in Equity and to the 
contention of the plaintiffs therein that 
they are, ex-officio, the successors to the 
Centennial and Memorial Association, as 
trustees of said fund of $15,566.50, and 
accordingly intimated that "no final dis- 
position of the fund should be made by 
the Auditor until said Bill is disposed 
of or until the rights of the plaintiffs 
under said Bill are adjudicated. The 



Auditor, however, can hold his meeting 
or meetings and hear the proofs of the 
several claimants to the fund, in the 
meantime, but he will not file his re- 
port until the further order of the 
Court." 

TREASURER'S INTERVENTION AND 
ANSWER. 

On the 25th June, 1910, J. M. Stauf- 
fer, Treasurer of said Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge, 
applied to the Court for leave to inter- 
vene as a party defendant in said Bill 
in Equity, and a rule to show cause, etc., 
was granted, returnable on the 5th day 
of September, 1910. 

Treasurer Stauffer, on the 9th July, 
1910, filed an answer to the Bill in 
Equity. He averred, inter alia, the filing 
and recording of the Court's decree cf 
dissolution in the office of the Secretary 
of the Commonwealth, and that said As- 
sociation had, therefore, no legal exist- 
ence; denied that the declared piirpose 
of the Association is stated in its (char- 
ter as a PUBLIC purpose; denied that 
the Association has become FUNCTUS 
OFFICIO; denied that the Commissioners 
of Valley Forge Park "are charged with, 
every trust relating thereto (property for- 
merly belonging to the Association but 
now in the possession of said Commis- 
sioners) as SUCCESSORS of said Associ- 
ation;" and averred, also, that said fund 
could not be disposed of under plaintiff's 
Bill, the same being a collateral proceed- 
ing and should be dismissed, and that 
he is the principal and only party in 
interest so far as concerns the custody 
of said fund until distribution be made 
thereof by the Court; and praying the 
Court that he might be hence dismissed 
with costs, &c. 

ENLARGEMENT OF AUDITOR'S 
DUTIES. 

On the 16th September, 1910, the 
Court made a further order that the 
Auditor appointed in this case "be di- 
rected to proceed with the hearing be- 
fore him as Auditor, and report to the 
Court his findings of fact and conclusions 
of law." 

THE FUND FOR DISTRIBUTION. 

The amount for distribution is $15,- 
566.50, being the balance in the hands 
of J. M. Stautfer, Treasurer of the dis- 
solved Association, as shown by his ac- 
count annexed to the petition for disso- 
lution, and accrued and accruing inter- 
est therecn. 

CLAIMANTS OF THE FUND. 

The fund for disti'ibution is claimed by 
1. STOCKHOLDERS OF THE CEN- 
TENNIAL AND MEMORIAL ASSO- 
CIATION OF VALLEY FORGE, to wit: 
H. J. STAGER, Chairman of the Board 



of Trustees of the State Camj) of Penna., 
P. 0. S. of A., who, as such is custodian 
of Stock Certificate No. 5172 for 1400 
shares at $1.00, or $1400; H. J. STA- 
GER, Trustee for 3600 shares issued to 
him in trust for the following: 

PENNSYLVANIA CAMPS. 

Washington Camps, P. 0. S. of A. 
Nos. 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 
37, 43, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 57, 58, 
61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 71, 72, 73, 
76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 
91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 100, 101, 103, 
104, 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 114, 
116, 117, 119, 120, 121, 123, 124, 125, 
132, 134, 137, 142, 143, 147, 148, 149, 
150, 154, 155, 156, 157, 161, 163, 165, 
167, 168, 173, 178, 179, 185, 191, 192, 
194, 196, 202, 206, 208, 213, 215, 218, 
219, 221, 222, 224, 227, 230, 231, 233, 
235, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 
244, 246, 247, 248, 249, 251, 252, 253, 
254, 255, 257, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 
264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 272, 
274. 

PENNSYLVANIA COMMANDERIES. 

Lexington Commandery, P. O. S. of A. 
No. 2. 

Philadelphia Commandery, P. 0. S. of 
A., No. 4. 

Montgomery Commandery, P. 0. S. of 
A., No. 15. 

Garfield Commandery, P. 0. S. of A., 
No. 21. 

CONNECTICUT CAMPS. 
Washington Camp, P. 0. S. of A., 
No. 1. 

Washington Camp, P. 0. S. of A., 
No. 5. 

NEW JERSEY CAMPS. 
Washington Camp, P. 0. S. of A., 
No. 7. 



Camp 53, P. 0. S. of A., Ohio. 

Daughters of America, No. 1. 
INDIVIDUALS. 

J. A. Batt, J. F. Baumeister, J. F. 
Benner, John A. Benner, George F. 
Blatehford, Edward Bowser, Dr. S. A. 
Brecht, M. B. Brenamin, A. L. Camany, 
E. M. Chilcord, Cyrus Christ, E. B. 
Clayton, A. M. Collins, Dr. J. M. Coop- 
er, David Davis, F. A. Davis, Cyrus Dis- 
singer, James M. Dissinger, Joseph E. 
Dissinger, W. H. Dodson, John C. Do- 
nat, A. M. Eby, John M. Eby, J. A. 
Eichelberger, Martin Echelberger, J. F. 
Euycart, John Evans, G. B. Fluke, J. 
S. Ford, George W. Gable, Daniel J. 
Gensemer, George W. Gensemer, J. H. 
Haas, J. W. Hamilton. M. H. Hartzell, 
I. A. Heald, T. F. Heebner, Samuel Rei- 
ser, S. M. Helms, P. C. Hess, Charles 
Hoernle, E. L. Hotfer, Mrs. Anna M. 
Holstein (for Philadelphians) ; J. P. 
Johnson, John H. Kaufman, C. W. 
Hoch, James H. Hay, Grant Kline, 



223 



Charles W. Koch, J. Shindel Krause, M. 
C. Kriebel, H. P. Kutz, R. C. Lashell, 
W. J. Leeder, A. J. Leth, I. K. Little, 
Charles E. Logan, John McCary, John H. 
Mease, J. E. Neary, J. W. Niggs, John 
C. Norton, J. F. Painter, W. S. Painter, 
H. H. Pfeiffer, Ed. Printz, William 
Printz, Levi F. Putt, Val. Raudenbush, 
W. L. Ridgway, J. S. Ritchey, Henry 
Roberts. William R. Rorer, William 
Ross, H. A. Schrader, George W. 
Schwartz, Reynold Sedders, Robert A. 
Shepherd, J. W. Simon, W. E. Simons, 
William M. Singerly, A. J. Snowberger, 
H. J. Stager, E. Stees, A. F. Stokes, 
George W. H. Thomas, F. S. Tobias, 
Willis C. Tobias, J. S. Vetter, J. H. 
Ward, William Weand, Wilham Weight- 
man, D. F. White, J. W. Wilson, Wil- 
liam Witmer, S. J. Woelfley, A. B. Zim- 
merman and J. Lyman Zimmerman, and 
Montgomery District Delegates. 

Of the above-named Camps, the follow- 
ing became defunct after Mr. Stager be- 
came Trustee for them. Their numbers 
were given to new Camps of the P. 0. S. 
of A., established at other places in Penn- 
sylvania, viz: Nos. 8, 71, 123, 132, 168, 
202, 248 and 263; 

and H. J. Stager, one share, Certi- 
ficate No. 3051; Rev. W. Herbert 
Burk, holder of Certificate No. 4205, 
for one share of stock issued to George 
Ellis and assigned to Rev. W. Herbert 
Burk, and of Certificate No. 4206, for 
one share of stock issued to Emily M. 
Ellis, now deceased, and assigned by her 
administrator to Rev. W. Herbert Burk, 
both assignments being approved by R. 
T. S. Hallowell, Secretary of the Asso- 
ciation. 

2. THE COMMISSIONERS OF VAL- 
LEY FORGE PARK; 

3. THE VALLEY FORGE CHAPTER 
OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE 
AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

THE CONTENTION. 

Distribution of the fund in question, it 
is conceded by the claimants, is governed 
by the Act of 9th April, 1856, P. L. 293, 
Section 1, which reads as follows, viz: 

"It shall be lawful for any Court of 
Common Pleas of the proper county to 
hear the petition of any corporation, un- 
der the seal thereof, by and with the 
consent of a majority of a meeting of 
the corporators, duly convened, praying 
for permission to surrender any power 
contained in its charter, or for the dis- 
solution of such corporation and if 
such court shall be satisfied that the 
prayer of such petition may be granted, 
without prejudice to the public welfare, 
or the interests of the corporators, the 
court may enter a decree in accordance 
with the prayer of the petition, -.'hereup- 
on such power shall cease, or such corpo- 
ration be dissolved; Provided, That the 
surrender of any such power shall not in 
any wise remove any limitation or re- 



striction in such charter; and that the 
accounts of the managers, directors or 
trustees of any dissolved company shall 
be settled in such court, and be approv- 
ed thereby; and dividends of the effects 
shall be made among any corporators en- 
titled thereto, as in the case of the ac- 
counts of assignees and trustees; Provid- 
ed further, That no property devoted to 
religious, literary or charitable uses shall 
be diverted from the objects for which 
they were given or granted; Provided, 
That the decree of said court shall not 
go into effect until a certified copy there- 
of be filed and recorded in the office of 
the secretary of the Commonwealth." 

In behalf of the stockholders it is con- 
tended that the Association is not a pub- 
lic charity nor was its property devoted 
to charitable uses; that Stager, Trustee, 
and the State Camp, at least, paid their 
raoney into the Association not as a 
gift, nor as a loan, but with the distinct 
understanding that their representatives 
should be admitted into the Association 
for the purpose of controlling it at all 
times; deny the right of the Park Com- 
missioners! to claim the fund as the legal 
successors of the Association; assert that 
the use to which the Valley Forge Chap- 
ter of the Daughters of the Revolution 
would devote the fund is too indefinite; 
that the Association's approval of the 
transfer of certificates of stock shows that 
it considered the same a thing of substan- 
tial value and not mere evidence of a gift; 
and that, therefore, the fund must be 
distributed among the stockholders; but 
if not to them, nor to any of the other 
claimants, then it would escheat under 
the Act of 2d May, 1889, P. L. 66. 

The Park Commissioners contend that 
the Association existed for a charitable 
use within the meaning oi? the proviso 
of the Act of 1856; that said use was 
a public one; that the issuing of stock 
was a mere convenience to solicit con- 
tribiitions; that the purchasers of shares 
of stock knew the public and patriotic 
object of the Association, and gave their 
money as a gift with no thought of a 
pecuniary return; and that, therefore, 
the fund for distribution cannot revert 
to the donors, nor be divided among the 
stockholders or members, but must be 
applied in furtherance of the charity; 
and that under the Cy pres doctrine and 
the Act of 9th May, 1889, P. L. 173, 
providing. 

"That no disposition of property here- 
tofore or hereafter made for any religious 
or charitable use shall fail for want of 
a Trustee * * * but it shall be the duty 
of any court having equity jurisdiction 
in the proper county to supply a trustee 
and by its decrees to carry into effect 
the intent of the donor or testator so 
far as the same can be ascertained and 
carried into effect consistent with law or 
equity." 



224 



It is the duty of the court not to al- 
low this charitable use to fail for want of 
a trustee but, under its equitable pow- 
ers, to supply a trustee and apply the 
fund to an object reasonably approximat- 
ing the purpose of the donors, namely, 
the Park Commissioners who are created 
for a purpose identical with that of the 
defunct Centennial and Memorial Asso- 
ciation and may ba legally appi'inted a 
trustee for pubhc purposes germane to 
its object. 

The Valley Forge Chapter of the 
Daughters of the Revolution also lay 
claim to the fund, (a) "on account of 
Mrs. Anna Morris Holstein being the 
organi2?3r and First Regent of the Val- 
ley Forge Centennial and Memorial As- 
sociation, and also organizer and First 
Regent of the Valley Forge Chapter D. 
A. R.;" (b) "to erect at Valley Forge 
a monument in honor of Washington and 
the Continsntal Army encamped at Val- 
ley Forge, and who aided in the success- 
ful struggle for independence." 

These contentions raise questions of 
fact involving the purpose of the Asso- 
ciation, its method of conductmg its 
business, its relation to the stockholders 
and to the public, its sources of revenue 
and expenditures, its relation to the P. 
O. S. of A. and individual Camps, and the 
character and functions of the Park 
Commission and of the Valley Forge 
Chapter, D. A. R. 
FINDINGS OF CONTROLLING FACTS 

1. THE CENTENNIAL AND MEMO- 
RIAL ASSOCIATION OF VALLEY 
FORGE. 

Purpose of the Association. 

The purpose for which The Centennial 
ana Memorial Association of Valley Forge 
was formed, was m its nature public 
Kid patriotic. In the newspaper notices 
of the proposed application for incorpora- 
tion the object was expressed to be "to 
' purchase, hold, and improve the Wash- 
ington Headquarters of Valley Forge 
and lands adjacent thereto and appro- 
priate them to historical and humane pur- 
poses;" "to historical and humane uses." 
The Charter expresses the purpose to 
be "to purchase, improve and preserve 
tlie lands a'nd improvements thereon, oc- 
cupied by General George Washington, 
at Valley Forge, and maintain them as 
a memorial park for all time to come." 
The decree of incorporation finds the ap- 
plication within the purposes named in 
iho first class specified in the second sec- 
tion of the General Corporation Act of 
iS74, namely, for "a puolic park," a'nd 
incorporates the subscribers to the Char- 
ter "for the purposes and upon the terms 
tlierein stated." 

The By-Laws state the object of the 
Association to be as set forth in the 
Act of Incorporation and "also to col- 



lect and preserve relics and objects of 
interest connected with the Revolutionary 
War, and especially with Valley Forge." 
These objects and purposes were never 
cnanged or altered b - amendment to 
tue Charter or By-Laws, but were strict- 
ly adhered to by the Association. 

CAPITAL STOCK. 

This Corporation of the first class was 
invested with the usual powers given un- 
der the law and its charter and particu- 
laily. but perhaps unusually for corpora- 
tions of that class, with the power of 
issuing Capital Stock. The Capital 
SoOck was not to exceed $500,uO0, and 
the par value was not to be less than one 
dollar per share. The By-Laws provided 
that the shares of stock should "be sold 
at such times and in such manner as 
tne Board of Directors shall (should) 
deem proper." They were to be "issued 
to each subscriber, stating the number 
of shares subscribed and paid for by the 
holder," bearing the signatures of the 
Regent and Secretary with the seal of 
the Association. Transfers of stock were 
not to be made except endorsed upon the 
certificates of Stock and attested by the 
Secretary with the seal of the Associa- 
tion attached, and recorded upon the 
buoks of the Association. 

So far as can be ascertained at this 
.ime, after great labor and care, the 
Association issued 7618 shares of stock. 

Neatly printed Certificates, suitable for 
framing, were issued in the following 
form: 

No. Share $1.00 

CENTENNIAL AND MEMORIAL AS- 
SOCIATION OF VALLEY FORGE. 

1778. 1878. 

This is to certify that is 

entitled to one share of stock in the 
Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge. 

(Signed) ANNA M. HOLSTEIN, 

Regent. 
Printed Seal 
Centennial and 
Memorial Asso- 
ciation of 
Valley Forge. 

November 9th, 
1886. 
That is the form of the Certificate is- 
sued to H. J. Stager in trust for P. 0. 
S. of A., for 3600 shares. 

The Certificate issued to Pennsylvania 
State Camp, P. 0. S. of A., for 1400 
shares, is in form as follows: 

STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
No. 5172. $1400.00. 

THE CENTENNIAL AND :MEM0R- 
lAL ASSOCIATION. 

of Valley Forge. 



225 



THIS IS TO CERTIFY, that The Penn- 
sylvania State Camp, P. 0. S. of A.. 
having paid Fourteen Hundred Dollars 
is entitled to 1400 Shares of the Capital 
Stocli of The Centennial and Memorial 
Association of Valley Forge. 

Transferable only on the books of the 
Company, in person or by attorney, upon 
the surrender of this Certificate. 

Witness the hand of the Regent and 
Secretary, and the Seal of the Corpora- 
tion, this 19th day June A. D., 1905 
(Signed) RFIBECCA McINNES, 

Regent. 
Attest: 

R. T. S. HALLO WELL, 
Secretary. 
Seal of The 
Centennial and 
Memorial Asso- 
ciation of Val- 
ley Forge. 

The Certificates of Stock, No. 4205, 
issued to George Ellis, and No. 4206, is- 
sued to Emily M. Ellis, for one share 
each, were transferred on the 29th of 
May, 1906, and 17th of June, 1907, re- 
spectively, to Rev. W. Herbert Burk, of 
Norristown, Pa. They assigned their 
"whole right, title and interest" in said 
shares and constituted "him, his assigns 
and substitutes, my attorney and attor- 
neys, with full power to receive, in his 
or their name or names, certificate for 
said share," and the assignments were 
"approved" by the Secretary of the As- 
sociation imder it stamped seal. 

The Certificates were printed for one 
share only. Ninety certificates were is- 
sued for more than one share each, nota- 
bly to 

Hon. Heister Clymer, 20 shares. 

George W. Childs, Philadelphia, contri- 
bution, $200, 200 shares. 

William M. Singerly, Philadelphia, con- 
tribution, $50, 50 shares. 

Charles W. Roberts, Chester Co., con- 
tribution, $100, 100 shares. 

Mrs. Charles W. Roberts, contribution. 
$100', 100 shares. 

William Weightman, Philadelphia, 50 
shares. 

H. J. Stager, for P. 0. S. of A., repre- 
senting 3600 shares. 

Lincoln Institution, 308 S. Eleventh 
street, 25 shares. 

Northern Home, presented by Emily 
Bell, 25 shares. 

Institutional Home for Girls, by Emilv 
Bell, 25 shares. 

Clinton St. Boarding House, by Emily 
Bell, 25 shares. 

Lombard St. Boarding House, by Emily 
Bell, 25 shares. 

Penna. State Camp, P. 0. S. of A.. 
1400 shares. 

The certificates issued were numbered 



from 1 to 106; 301 to 415; 418 to 456: 
701 to 779; 1101 to 1200; 1401 to 
1499; 1801 to 1994; 2801 to 2811: 
3001 to 3162; 3198 to 3226; 3301 to 
3334; 3400 to 3723; 3801 to 3813; 4001 
to 4010; 4101 to 4150; 4201 to 4238; 
4251; 4501 to 4556; 4801 to 4804; 
5051 to 5063; 5101 to 5172; 5401 to 
5450; 5551 to 5554; 5651 to 5684; 
5851 to 5866; 6001 to 6010, all inclusive. 

A number of certificates were issued in 
exchange for others that had beem issued. 
Some of the stubs in the stock books 
were not filled up. A few certificates 
were cancelled, and a few others were re- 
turned. Certificate No. 3541 was de- 
stioyed, and No. 3547 was "sacrificed 
to a mistake in penmanship." Certifi- 
c;ates No. 4101 to 4109 inclusive, were 
duplicated. A large number of certifi- 
cates remained unissued. The residence 
addi'ess of most of the subscribers is giv- 
en in the stub books. IMost of the sub- 
sjciibers are Pennsylvania'ns, representing 
aU parts of the State, but some hail 
from Iowa, Ohio, District of Columbia, 
New York, Illinois, Montana Territory, 
Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, 
California, Connecticut, Wyoming, Mich- 
igan, West Virginia, Vermont, Delaware, 
Colorado and Kentucky. 

Certificates for one share of stock were 
isaued to some of the most prominent 
a'nd patriotic citizens of the Union, to 

children, one to " Clegg (infant not 

named)," to Normal Schools, High 
Schools, Public Schools, Library Socie- 
ti'.s, Co. E., 4th Regiment, N. G. P. 
Hamburg, Chamber of Commerce, Phila., 
Commercial Exchange of Phila., "In Me- 
moriam," of Commodore Stephen Decatur, 
Lieutenant S. D. McKnight, Lieut. Wm. 
D. Hunt, Major Levi Twiggs, U. S. M. 
C. and Lieut. Geo. D. Twiggs, and others; 
individual members of large families. 
Fire Engine Company, and many Camps 
of the P. 0. S. of A. 

Certificates for one share of stock each 
were is.sued to Ex- Judge R. H. Koch and 
James H. Wolfe, Esq., Counsel for H. J. 
Stager, but the names of the patriotic 
Counsel for the Park Commissioners are 
missing from the list although ex-Govern- 
or Pennypacker bought shares of stock for 
himself and for each member of his fam- 
ily and has the certificates and Mr. Jen- 
kins also is the owner of one share. The 
Auditor is not disqualified by reason of 
direct interest as a shareholder. The res- 
idences of many subscribers are not given 
or known. Some of the subscribers are 
known to be deceased. 

The names and addresses of stockhold- 
ers and the number of shares for which 
crtificates of stock were issued to them 
are, so far as ascertainable, set forth in 
Scnedule "A," hereto attached. The list 
ii by no means full and complete. The 
records prior to 1886 are incomplete. A 
list was prepared at one time by Secre- 



226 



taiy Wm. H. Holstein, from the old 
records of the Association, but was not 
considered complete. Many shares AA^ere 
issued prior to 1886 of which no record 
,vas kept. 

XO DIVIDENDS. 

The Association did "not provide in its 
Charter or By-Laws for declaring or pay- 
ing dividends, had no dividend book, nev- 
er paid any dividend, and, according to 
II. J. Stager, never expected to divide 
any monies among the stockholders, as 
"the whole object of the Association was 
to maintain the Headquarters and the 
land associated with it as a memorial." 

TtELATION TO THE PUBLIC. 

The groutids and Washington's Head- 
([uarters were thrown open to the pub- 
lic, admission to the former being free 
and to the latter ten cents. The historic 
tyot has become a Mecca at the shrine of 
xvhich thousands of patriots the world 
over worship annually. 

SOUECES OF REVENUE 

The revenues of the x\ssociation came 
from the following sources: 

Personal contributions, proceeds of 
fetes and entertainments, $3000; issue 
of certificates of «tock. ."PTBIS: donations 
in sums of $5 or $10, between 1886 and 
1893. $50; admission fee of ten cents 
to Washington's Headquarters, not 
shown; sale of pictures and souvenirs, 
not .shown; State appropriation, 1887, 
$5000 Less than $25,000 was received 
from all sources. The funds were not 
kept separate, nor were separate accounts 
kept. 

EXPENDITURES. 

The proceeds from the sale of souvenirs 
and from admission fees were used to 
pay the janitor and caretaker, taxes 
and current expenses. The warden was 
paid a salary of $360 per annum. All 
other officials served without compensa- 
tion and without reimbursement for trav- 
elinar expenses. About $14,000 were px- 
pended on grounds and buildings. The 
lodge cost about $3000, and repairs to 
the Headquarters and other indebtedness 
were paid and .satisfied through the ef- 
forts of the P. 0. S. of A. in Pennsyl- 
vania. The $5000 received from the 
State was expended in the purchase of 
additional ground, the erection of a jani- 
tor's lodge, the improvement of the 
grounds, and the restoration of the Head- 
quarters to their original condition. 

The P. O. S. of A. 

The Patriotic Order Sons of America 
in Pennsylvania played a noble and pa- 
triotic part in the affairs of the Centen- 
nial and ^Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge, due chiefly to the energy and un- 



selfish patriotism of H. J. Stager, one 
of the claimants of the fund as trustee 
for various camps and individuals. His 
record as a Patriotic Son of America is 
a proud and enviable one. He was the 
first National President of the Order, 
National Secretary for 131,4 years, and 
for several years Secretary of the Moi'- 
tuary Fund. He was one of the origi- 
nal incorporators of State Camp in 1867, 
under a special Act of Assembly. He 
served as State Secretary during 17% 
years. State President for 1 year from 
1885 to 1886, and Chairman of the 
State Board of Trustees for 30 years. 
He fciinded the "Camp News" in 1867, 
and Avas its editor until 1904. When he 
was President, in 1885. and the Associa- 
tion, through Camp 114, at Norristown, 
Pa., appealed to the Patriotic Order at 
its convention held at Norristown in 
that year, an official excursion was made 
during the convention days to Vallej'- 
Forge, and in January, 1886, the State 
Executive Committee held a meeting at 
Wasliington's Headquarters and endors- 
ed thj patriotic project to liquidate the 
Association's debts, including the $3000 
mortgage against the Headquarters, and 
resolved to give the fullest aid and offi- 
cial influence to a successful achievement 
of th-? noble work. 

On the 19th January, 1886, the State 
Executive Committee, of which ilr. 
Stager was the head, sent a neatly print- 
ed circular letter in pamphlet form to 
the various camps calling attention to 
the $3000 mortgage indebtedness against 
Washington's Headquarters at ^'alley 
Forge, which had been "purchased by 
a number of patriotic ladies who organiz- 
ed themselves into a society known as 
"The Centernial and ^Nfemorial Associa- 
tion o( Valley Forge," that the order 
had been "appealed to for aid in free- 
ing this cherished historic ground from 
debt, in order that it may be the more 
effectively dedicated to the patriotic uses 
intended by its purchase;" thqt "Valley 
Forge and its sacred historic associations 
appeal to the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America," and that "it will be an honor 
for ou)' noble order to redeem this in- 
debtedness and be an equitable and 
joint owner of the premises secured by 
the jHirchasers." * * * "The prem- 
ises will be self-supporting when paid for 
— the revenue from visitors will be ample 
to keep them in good order and repair." 
The Executive Committee further sug- 
gested that "with due care the jNIansion 
Plouse of the Great Commander-in-Chief 
and Lady Washington can be preserved 
for nic-ny centuries, and will become a 
shrink of American patriotism." Fur- 
ther, "Let us with one heart join the 
noble band of American women who 
have honorably resolved that the pur- 
chase money shall be paid." 

The letter then states that the Execu- 



227 



tive Committee on January 9th, 1886, 
gave its unqualified endorsement of the 
patriotic project to liquidate said debt, 
commends "the consideration of this 
worthy enterprise to each camp" and 
asks '"the earnest and fraternal co-oper- 
ation" of the members of the order 
"within this State and Union," Avho 
should consider it a "privilege as well 
as a duty tc do something in behalf of 
this worthy and praiseworthy object," 
and "in. view of this patriotic project" 
requests each camp to make special occa- 
sion of Washington's Birthday, February 
22, 1886, by public entertainment or 
otherwise, and devote the proceeds to 
the aforesaid purpose," "contributions for 
the fimcl" to be forwarded to the State 
President. 

On April 5th, 1886, Mrs. Anna M. 
Holstein, Regent of the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge, 
said in a letter addressed to H. J. Stag- 
er, State President, after thanking him 
for "Camp News" of April 1st. and ex- 
pressing a feehng of gratification at the 
earnest response of the Patriotic Order 
working for the Valley Forge Fund, 
which indicated, at no distant day,a grand 
success, "a result which will forever a.s- 
sociate the P. 0. S. of A. with Wash- 
ington's historic Headquarters at Valley 
Forge, and give to them honor a.s endur- 
ing as the Republic." 

Although quite a number of Camps 
responded, nevertheless, on April 13. 
1886, State President Stager circulated 
among the Camps a second official letter, 
statins that by reason of the first ap- 
peal 35 Camps had responded, but less 
than one-third of the necessary amount 
had been contributed, and of those con- 
tributions one-half of that amount had 
been contributed by 5 of the practical 
Camps, there being in the whole State 
14!i Camps and 16 Commanderies, intex'- 
rogating, "Was there ever a stronger 
appeal for financial aid to show the prac- 
tical patriotism of our Order than this, 
and could we permit another to step in 
our place and relieve us of the labor and 
high honor of success in this noble 
work?" The appeal continues: 

"The money is asked not to be loaned, 
nor is it an investment to give interest. 
It is simply this — 'Will the Sons of 
America purchase the first and only mort- 
gage now upon the property and become 
its holder for all future time? In doing 
so the Order will become a joint own- 
er with the aforesaid Ladies' Association, 
not a simple stockholder, but, in effect, 
the owner. After the mortgage is pur- 
chased, its value can, if desired, be turn- 
ed into the Association for so many 
shares of stock (one for each dollar) and 
the order become entitled to all its fran- 
chises. We see no advantage, however, 
exceeding the office of first mortgage 



holder, yet that is an after question 
which the purchasers may determine at 
the proper time. 

"It is proposed in the assignment to 
recite the number of each Camp con- 
tributing $25, or over, about as follows: 

'To Washington Camps, Nos (name 

all $25 contributors and over), and all 
others holding certificates of contribution 
signed by the State Executive Commit- 
tee of Pennsylvania.' " 

The letter continues: "Let us show 
our deep abiding love for the hallowed 
associations clustering around this sacred 
building, and a never-failing veneration 
of the many sacrifices our illustrious 
sires made to secure our present liber- 
ties, by an immediate response to the call 
for funds wherewith to cancel the mort- 



"Indlvidual contributions may also be 
made." 

"Each contributor in the sum of .$1 
or over will receive a neat certificate, 
which Avill look well in frame and be a 
fitting adornment for the Avail of a Camp 
Room." 

A third official appeal was sent to the 
subordinate Camps by the State Execu- 
tive Committee, July 24th, 1886, in 
which it Avas asserted that: "Thus far 
one-third of our Camps in this State 
alone have contributed $2200— about 
three-fourths of the amount necessary. 
Will not the other tAvo-thirds^ and the re- 
maining one-fourth at once?" 

And also: 

"The object is, simply to clear off the 
indebtedness of the $3000 mortgage noAV 
upon Washington's Headquarters at Val- 
ley Forge. In doing so, Ave will not only 
receive a mortgage for the full amount 
named, but also three thousand shares 
of stock in the Centennial Association, 
Avhich will give us a full majority vote 
in its future direction and care.'' 

"The Avork Avill forever associate our 
cause Avith Washington's Headquarters 
at Valley Forge, and give to our Order 
honor as enduring as the Republic." 

In a postscript was added: 

"Each contributing Camp or individual 
sending $1.€0 or over will receive a 
handsomely printed certificate receipt in 
reply." 

State President Stager, in his Vale- 
dictory Address delivered at the 21st 
Annual Session of the State Camps of 
Pennsylvania of the P. 0. S. of A., held 
at Altoona, August 10th and 11th, 1886, 
in reviewing the efforts of the Order to 
raise sufficient funds to liquidate the 
mortgage indebtedness against Washing- 
ton's Headquarters, said, among other 
things: 



228 



"I would hei'e suggest that a commit- 
tee of thirteen be selected from among 
our representative members of the order, 
who are willing to devote some time and 
the necessary expenditure of means to 
travel for the pui-jDose of holding commit- 
tee meetings, etc., to complete the work 
and that they have full power to act in 
every way. It will be impossible for this 
convention to accomplish the details as 
satisfactorily as this committee could 
do, and being an entirely voluntary mat- 
ter in the camps, the contributors should 
be permitted in some way to direct the 
trusteeship constituted in this proposed 
committee of 13, and such provision 
should be incluided in the governing 
rules." 

The committee to whom was referred 
the State president's address, and which 
was headed by James H. Wolfe, Esq., 
one of the attorneys in this proceeding, 
suggested and recommended, inter alia, 
as follows : 

"As to the suggestion relative to the 
Valley Forge matter, we take leave to 
report the following resolution for your 
consideration: 

■'Whereas, The project to free the his- 
toric grounds of Valley Forge, known 
as Washington's Headquarters, from debt 
has proved a popular, jjrosperous and 
patriotic undertaking; 

"Whereas, The several camps of the 
Patriotic Order Sons of American in 
the State of Pennsylvania have raised the 
requisite funds for said enterprise; 

"And, Whereas, the glory and com- 
mendation of said project will redound 
to the honor and renown of our grand 
ani distinguished order; therefore, be it 

"First — Resolved, That the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America of the State of 
Pennsylvania, in annual State camp as- 
sembled, do hereby endorse, approve and 
commend said project and promise their 
unfaltering support and hearty co-opera- 
tion in perfecting the final consummation 
of the same. 

"Second — Resolved, Tliat for the better 
and more effective application of the Val- 
ley Forge funds, to the purpose intend©! 
by the aforesaid project, a board of 
thirteen trustees be created, of which 
the present State president, Brother H. 
J. Stager, shall be chairman, with power 
to select his associates, said Trustees 
to be subject to the provisions of the 
Declaration of Trust governing their ap- 
IDointment." 

Both resolutions were duly adopted by 
the State Camp, notwithstanding that the 
second resolution had previously been 
laid on the table. 

The State camp at said session also 
aiiopted a i-esolution to "supply the de- 
ficit in the Valley Forge fund and that 
stock be issued for said amount, in the 
name of the State Camp;" and also, on 
motion of ex-Judge Koch, of counsel in 



the present proceeding, "that the retir- 
ing State president, H. J. Stager, appoint 
a board of thirteen trustees (including 
himself), of which he shall be chairman, 
from among the delegates of this State 
Camp from subordinate camps having 
contributed $25 and upwani toward the 
Valley Forge fund, for the purpose of 
developing a scheme for the manage- 
ment and disposition of said fund." 

The following were appointed trustees: 
J. H. HofEer, Frank L. Murphy, R. H. 
Koch, R. T. S. Hallowell,Irwin S. Smith, 
W. H. Schwartz, H. A. Klock, S. M. 
Helms, James K. Helms, J. H. Dugan, 
H. R. Fleming and F. G. Hobson. 

The State Camp also, by the way, took 
formal notice of the retirement of State 
President Stager from office, in a series 
of congratulatory resolutions "upon the 
unprecedented success and excellence of 
his adininistration as president of the 
State Camp during the year 1885-6." 

The $3000 mortgage against Washing- 
ton's tleadquarters was afterwards paid 
out of funds raised as aforesaid, ani the 
mortgage was duly satisfied of record, 
and was not assigned to the P. 0. S. of 
A., as had been first intended. From 
that time forward the P. 0. S'. of A. 
had a majority (13 of the 18, afterwards 
21, members) of the Board of Directors. 
A certificate for 3600 shares of stock 
was issued to H. J. Stager, trustee. La- 
ter a certificate for 1400 shares of stock 
was issued to the Pennsylvania State 
Camp P. 0. S. of A., on the 19th of 
June, 1905, which also Mr. Stager holds 
in trust. 

At first blush it might seem that Henry 
J. Stager, a claimant here, had, as an 
individual and as a trustee for patriotic 
camps and individuals, cast to the winds 
his patriotic breathings as State Presi- 
dent, as shown above; but on due de- 
liberation the laAv puts him in a quan- 
dary. He is the legal trustee of many 
camps and inidividuals, holding 5000 
certificates of stock for them, or nearly 
two-thirds of all the shares issued, so 
far as can be ascertained. If the fund 
in question is distributable among stock- 
holders he is entitled to nearly $10,000 
as such trustee and is accountable to 
his cestui que trustent for that amount. 
Some of these may now prefer money 
to honor. If he stands by and allows 
this fund to be distributed without 
claim, objection or protest he viola.tes 
his duties as trustee and becomes guilty 
of negligence. Standing in the dual ca- 
pacity of a true patriot and a dutiful 
trustee, he lays strenuous claim to this 
fund through able and patriotic counsel, 
invoking the law to point out to him 
his legal duty in the face of conflicting 
interests, so that in the end it must be 
said, "Well done, thou good and faithful 
patriot and trustee." 



229 



3. THE COMMISSIONERS OF YAL- 

LEY FORGE PARK. 
CHARACTER OF THE COJVEMISSION. 

The first interest manifested by the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the 
sacred historic spot of Valley Forge was 
in 1887, when its Legislature appropriat- 
ed the sum of $5000 to the Centennial 
and Memorial Association of ^'a!ley Forge 
for the improvement, extension and pres- 
ei'vation of the lands and buildings occu- 
pied by General George Washington as 
his headquarters at ^"alley Forge during 
the -^vinter of 1777-8. This was in strict 
conformity to the chartered purpose of 
the Association. The Association up to 
this time struggled hard with poverty. 
The revenues were insufficient to pay 
interest upon the $3000 purchase money 
mortgage. The Masonic Fraternity had 
been appealed to for aid without result. 
A successful appeal had, however, been 
made to the patriotism of the P. 0. S. of 
A., which paid off the mortgage. But a 
janitor's lodge was needed, the grounds 
needed improvement and additional land 
was wanted, including Washington's 
Spring and the stone barn which served 
as a hospital during those suffering days 
of Revolutionary encampment. It was 
then that the patriotism of the Common- 
wealth was appealed to and responded 
with $5000. which was applied towards 
the purposes named. 

But it was necessary and desirable to 
acquire additional grounds in order to 
make a great public park and military 
camp commensurate with the importance 
of the historic events there transacted. It 
was desirable to acquire ownership of 
lands whereon had been built the forts, 
redoubts and entrenchments of those 
Revolutionary days, and to put them in 
their original condition as nearly as pos- 
sible. Roads and paths were needed to 
make these forts and entrenchments ac- 
cessible to the public. Fences were need- 
ed, a water supply, markers, trees, lawns, 
etc., etc. The noble efforts of the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association of Val- 
ley Forge, materially aided by the pa- 
triotic efforts of the P. 0. S. of A., awak- 
ened the slumbering patriotism of not 
only Pennsylvania patriots, but of patriot- 
ic citizens and Commonwealths through- 
out the Union. The demands for at 
least a State, if not a National Park, at 
Valley Forge, worthy of the Revolution- 
ary heroism displayed there, overleaped 
the bounds, capacity and purposes of the 
Centennial and Memorial Association. 
The outcome was the legislation herein- 
before set out, vesting in the State of 
Pennsylvania not exceeding 1000 acres of 
land for Valley Forge Park; creating the 
Park Commission to maintain the same 
and the fortifications thereon, as nearly 
as possible, in their original condition as 
a military camp, for the enjoyment of 



the people of the State; and appropriat- 
mg, so far, over $300,000 for said pur- 
poses. At first, however, between 1893 
and 1904, the State was laboring hand- 
in-hand with the Centennial and Me- 
morial Association in the noble work, 
leaving undisturbed the acquisitions and 
possessions of the Association. But the 
financial weakness of the A.ssociation and 
the desire to gather all the historic 
ground of ^'alley Forge into the pubhc 
park inspired the Legislature of 1905 to 
make possible the vesting, condemnation 
and acquisition by the State of the 
grounds and headquarters owned by the 
Association. Ten distinguished Pennsyl- 
vania patriots were appointed by Gov- 
ernor Pattison Park Commissioners. Pro- 
vision is made for organization and sup- 
ply of vacancies. They were empowered 
by the Legislature to commence condem- 
nation proceedings for land taken by the 
State for park purposes where they could 
not agree -with the owners as to price; to 
adopt plans for the improvement, pres- 
ervation and maintenance of the Park and 
carry the same into execution; to make 
necessary arrangements for the encamp- 
ment of the National Guard at the pleas- 
ure of the Governor as Commander-in- 
Chief; "to accept, on behalf of the State, 
any gift or gifts of money or of lands, 
contiguous or adjacent to the lands taken 
or to be taken for the said public park, 
and to be held and used for the purposes 
thereof; to permit the United States, or 
any State thereof, to erect monuments or 
memorials, and to make and maintain 
police regulations. 

Under these powers the Park Commis- 
sioners condemned and the State acquired 
the property and possessions of the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association, and 
practically destroyed its very life and 
purpose of existence. But the destruc- 
tion of the association did not destroy 
the fruition of the purpose for which the 
association was created, but enabled the 
State, through its Park Commissioners, 
to carry the identical purpose of the As- 
sociation into fuller execution on a larger 
and grander scale. Doubtless, if the 
State had seen fit to appropriate the same 
sums of money to the Association as it 
appropriated to the Park Commissioners, 
the same or similar result, by proper 
and harmonious management, might have 
been accomplished. But the State did 
not see fit to do so. In assuming this 
burden of government, of which it had 
theretofore been relieved by the Associa- 
tion, the Commonwealth preferred to ac- 
quire sole ownership and control, and to 
exercise the same through its own chosen 
body of ten patriotic and distinguished 
Commissioners. 

The wisdom and patriotism of the 
State's action admits of no serious ques- 
tion. Valley Forge Park, even today, is 
not only a fitting monument to the he- 



230 



roic sufferings of our Revolutionary an- 
cestors, but as well to the patriotism of 
the State and to all the noble men and 
women who, in the early movements, 
contributed their mite and their unselfish 
labors, and whose names are in any way 
connected with the Valley Forge .Park; 
and especially to that noble band of pio- 
neer patriots, the Centennial and Alemo- 
rial Association of Valley Forge, and its 
financial coadjutor, the P. 0. S. of A., 
and specially of those, to Henry J. 
Stager. 

The certificates of stock issued by the 
Centennial and ilemorial Association of 
Valley Forge, if they are not today, will 
in time be treasured as priceless heir- 
looms to adorn the walls of patriotic 
homes and camp rooms all over this 
broad land. Even at the time of issue 
they were regarded by many holders as 
certificates of honor, worthy to be taken 
"in memoriam" of loved patriots who had 
gone to their reward, or put in the last 
name of unnamed infants. Even State 
President Stager, of the P. 0. S. of A., 
aptly told his brothers m an appeal for 
practical patriotism that, "Each con- 
tributor in the sum of $1 or over will 
receive a neat certificate which will look 
well in frame and be a fitting adornment 
for the wall of a Camp Room." 
4. THE VALLEY FORGE CHAPTER, 
D. A. R. 

The Valley Forge Chapter, DaugUters 
of the American Revolution, another 
claimant of said fund, is a branch of the 
National Society of the Daughters of 
the American Revolution. The National 
Society is a patriotic association, not for 
profit.' It was duly incorporated by Act 
of the Fifty-fourth Congress of the Unit- 
ed States, approved 20th February, 1896, 
"for patriotic, historical and educational 
purposes; to perpetuate the memory and 
spirit of the men and women who achieved 
American Independence by the acquisition 
and protection of historical spots and 
t-ie erection of monuments, by the en- 
couragement of historical research in re- 
lation to the Revolution and the publica- 
tion of its results, by the preservation of 
documents and rehcs, and of the records 
of the individual servic-es of Revolution- 
ary soldiers and patriots, and by the pro- 
motion of celebrations of all patriotic 
anniversaries; to carry out the injunction 
of Washington in his farewell address to 
the American people, "to promote, as an 
object of primary importance, institutions 
for the general diffusion of knowledge," 
thus developing an enlightened public 
opinion and affording to young and old 
such advantages as shall develop in them 
the largest capacity for performing the 
duties of American citizens; to cherish, 
maintain and extend the institutions of 
American freedom; to foster true patriot- 



ism and love of country, and to aid in 
securing for mankind all the blessings of 
liberty." 

The Society was also authorized to 
hold real and personal estate in the Unit- 
ed States, as might be necessary to its 
lawful ends, to an amount not exceeding 
$500,000, and might adopt a Constitution 
and By-Laws not inconsistent Avith law; 
and to have its headquarters and princi- 
pal office at Washington, D. C. The 
Society adopted a constitution and by- 
laws. The Constitution provides, inter 
alia, for the organization of local chap- 
ters, states the object of the society 
to be the same as is set forth in the 
act of incorporation, women above the 
age of eighteen years, and who descended 
from a man or woman who, with unfail- 
ing loyalty, rendered material aid to the 
cause of Independence, or from a recog- 
nized patriot, a soldier, or sailor, or civil 
officer in one of the several Colonies or 
States, or of the United Colonies or 
States, are eligible to membership, pro- 
vided the applicant is acceptable to the 
Society. The officers of the National 
Society are a President General; one 
Vice President General in charge of or- 
ganization of Chapters; Vice Presidents 
General, one Recording and one Corres- 
ponding Secretary General, one Registrar 
General, one Treasurer General, one His- 
torian General, one Assistant Historian 
General, one Chaplain General, and one 
Librarian General. Provision is also 
made for the election of honorary mem- 
bers. All legislative and judicial power 
was vested in the Continental Congress 
composed of all active officers of the 
National Society, the State Regent, or 
in her absence the State Vice Regent, 
from each State, Territory and the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, and the Regents and 
Delegates of each organized Chapter in 
the United States and in foreign coun- 
tries. Each Chapter is entitled to be 
represented in the Continental Congress 
by its Regent or her alternate, and one 
delegate for the first 50 members, and 
after the first 100. representation shall 
be in the ratio of one delegate to every 
subsequent 100. Annual meetings are to 
be held in Washington, D. C. The ad- 
ministrative body is the National Board 
of Management, composed of the active 
officers of the National Society, and one 
State Regent, or, in her absence, one 
State Vice-Regent from each State and 
Territory'. Chapters may be organized 
by twelve members of the Society, living 
in one locality, after formal authoriza- 
tion by the National Board of Manage- 
ment. They may elect a presiding of- 
ficer, whose title shall be Regent; a Sec- 
retary, a Registrar, and such other of- 
ficers as may be required, including a lo- 
cal Board of Management. Local Chap- 
ters are to be governed by the Constitu- 
tion of the National Society, but may en- 



231 



act By-Laws for their own government 
in harmony with the Constitution of the 
National Society. 

Valley Forge Chapter of the National 
Society of the Daughters of the Ameri- 
can Revolution was oi-ganized at Norris- 
town, Pa., on the 17th December, 1894, 
and was chartered by the National So- 
ciety, on the 19t]i April, 1895, the 
National Charter number being 115. It 
is not incorporated by tlie court or other- 
wise. It adopted a Constitution and By- 
LaAvs, the Constitution setting forth as 
the objects of the Society — "to perpetu- 
ate the memory and the spirit of the 
men and women who achieved American 
Independence, by historical research; 
and preserving the recoi'ds of the indi- 
vidual services of Revolutionary soldiers 
and patriots." Membership in the Cliap- 
ter is similar to membership in the Na- 
tional Society. The officers consist of a 
Regent, Vice Regent, Registrar. Record- 
ing and Corresponding Secretaries, Treas- 
urer, Historian and Chaplain. The Board 
of Management consists of those officers 
and two members who shall be elected by 
the Chapter at the annual meeting. Meet- 
ings of the Chapter shall be held on the 
first Fridays of every month except July, 
August and September, the place to be 
decided upon at the previous meeting. 

This Chapter furnished a room in 
Washington's Headquarters at Valley 
Forge. It meets monthly, at the resi- 
dence of members, in Norristown, and 
has, at present, sixty-five members who 
are residents of Norristown and vicinity. 
They are organized and hold regular 
meetings. Some of its members were also 
actively interested in the Centennial 
and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge. Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, the or- 
ganizer and first Regent of this Chapter, 
was the organizer and first Regent of the 
Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge. This fact is assigned as 
a reason why this fund should be award- 
ed to the Chapter to erect a monument 
ac A'alley Forge in honor of Washington 
and his brave band of suffering heroes. 

RECAPITULATION OF CONTROL- 
LING FACTS. 

1. The primary object in organizing 
the Association, principally by patriotic 
ladies, was to decide upon a fitting me- 
morial to commemorate the occupation 
and evacuation of the hills of Valley 
Forge by Washington and his Revolu- 
tionary heroes. Washington's Headquar- 
ters were deemed a fitting memorial. A 
Chai'ter was then procured from Court 
"to purchase, improve and preserve" 
these Headquarters and adjacent land, 
and maintain them as a perpetual "Me- 
morial Park." 

2. The Headquarters and about five 
acres of ground were purchased, $3000 of 
the purchase price being secured by a pur- 



chase money mortgage. Most of the funds 
expended for these purposes were contrib- 
uted by the pubhc through dollar subscrip- 
tions, fetes and various entertainments. 
Five Thousand Dollars were appropriated 
by the State Legislature. Honorary Cer- 
tificates of Stock were issued to con- 
tributors. The grounds were open to the 
public, but a nominal admission fee was 
charged to enter the Headquarters. The 
Association was not conducted for profit, 
but purely to accomplish a noble and 
patriotic pubhc purpose, for the improve- 
ment or benefit of an indefinite number 
of persons and the advancement or wel- 
fare of the community and pubhc at 
large, and the maintenance of a public 
building purchased by the Association as 
a public memorial to George Washington 
and his immortal Army of Revolutionary 
patriots in relief of the State or National 
Government, free from the stain or taint 
of every consideration that is personal, 
private or selfish. 

3. The P. 0. S. of A. paid off the 
mortgage, and the same was duly satis- 
fied of record; took for the amount so 
paid a certificate for 360O shares of 
stock and obtained control of the Board 
of Directors. The Order, its Camps and 
members, and especially its efficient State 
President, H. J. Stager, were actuated 
not by mercenary, but by purely patrio- 
tic motives. Their contributions were 
gifts, not a loan or an investment. They 
had in view the duty, honor and glory 
of their patriotic Order, not stock divi- 
dends. 

4. The Valley Forge Park Commission 
took, in behalf of the State, the Head- 
quarters and lands of the Association 
under condemnation proceedings, primar- 
ily to do away with the admission fee 
charged visitors to enter the Headquar- 
ters, and in order to acquire all the his- 
toric lands and landmarks of Valley Forge 
for "a pubhc park." For this purpose 
the State has so far appropriated $307,- 
115. 

5. This Commission is composed of ten 
distinguished citizens of the State ap- 
pointed by the Governor, who also fills 
all vacancies. It organizes annually by 
the election of a President and Secre- 
tary. It is empowered by the State "to 
adopt plans for the improvement, preser- 
vation and maintenance" of the grounds 
at Valley Forge vested or to be vested 
in the State for the purpose of per- 
petuating and preserving the site on 
which the Continental Army under Gen- 
eral Washington was encamped, includ- 
ing his Headquarters and the lands for- 
merly owned by said Association, which 
the Commission has acquired through 
condemnation proceedings, and to carry 
said plans into execution and supervise 
the expenditure of all money appropriat- 
ed by the Legislature therefor, and also 



232 



"to accept, on behalf of the State, any 
gift or gifts of money or of lands con- 
tiguous or adjacent to the lands taken 
or to be taken for said public park, and 
to be held and used for the purposes 
thereof.''" The purposes of the State to 
be carried out through the Park Commis- 
sion covers completely the purpose of the 
Centennial and ^Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge, namely: "to purchase and 
improve and preserve the lands and im- 
provements thereon, occupied by General 
Washington at Valley Forge, and main- 
tain them for a memorial park for all 
time to come," "appropriate them for 
historical and humane purposes," and "to 
collect and preserve relics and objects of 
interest connected with the Revolutionary 
War, and especially with Valley Forge." 
The Valley Forge Park Commission is 
charged and empowered by law to car- 
ry out all these and other cognate pur- 
poses. 

6. The purpose of Valley Forge Chapter 
D. A. R. differs greatly from the purpose 
of the Centennial and Memorial Associa- 
tion of Valley Forge. The chief purposes 
of the latter' Avas "to purchase, improve 
and preserve Washington's Headquar- 
ters and maintain them as a memorial 
park." The chief and constitutional ob- 
ject of the former is "to perpetuate the 
memory and the spirit of the men and 
women who achieved American independ- 
ence, by historical research; and preserv- 
ing the records of the individual services 
of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots; 
and the special object is to apply the 
fund in question to erect at Valley Forge 
"a monument in honor of Washington 
and the Continental Army encamped at 
Valley Forge and who aided in the suc- 
cessful struggle for independence." The 
purpose of the former is to preserA-e what 
has already been erected as a monument; 
of the latter to erect some other monu- 
ment; of the former to maintain a me- 
morial park; of the latter to maintain 
no park at all, but to erect a monument 
in a park maintained by others. There is 
no assurance given that these sincere, 
earnest and patriotic ladies could get the 
consent of the Valley Forge Park Com- 
mission to erect a monument, however, 
worthy upon the ground owned and con- 
tioiled by the State. The object and in- 
tent of the Centennial and ^Memorial As- 
sociation of Valley Forge would not be 
carried into effect by Valley Forge Chan- 
ter. D. A. R., under their constitutional 
and specially resolved object and intent. 

7. The P. O. S. of A. is a secret pa- 
triotic and beneficial association, not for 
profit. State Camp of Pennsylvania. P. 
0. S. of A., is the head of the organiza- 
tion P. O. S. of A. in the State of Penn- 
sylvania. Wlien a subordinate Camp 
goes out of existence its property goes 



to the State Camp. A few subordinate 
Campjs are incorpoated by the courts. 

S. The Centennial and Memorial Asso- 
ciation of Valley Forge was a patriotic 
association not for profit. To popularize 
its purpose it started Avith dollar contri- 
butions and issued therefor ornamental 
certificates of stock. 

9. When the Executive Committee of 
the State Camp appealed to its subordi- 
nate Camps and members for aid to pay 
off the $3000 mortgage against Washing- 
ton's Headquarters it was held out that 
the contributors should become the hold- 
ers of the mortgage, and thus joint own- 
ers of the property; but later it was de- 
cided to accept certificates of stock in 
the Centennial and Memorial Association 
of Valley Forge (which are now held by 
H. J. Stager in trust as aforesaid) and get 
and maintain control of the Board of Di- 
rectors. Such control was obtained by 
the Order. Its motive was not owner- 
ship or profit, or the return of their con- 
tributions, or sale of the shares; but 
performance of a befitting patriotic duty 
and investiture with visitorial power. Xo 
pro\nsion was made for repayment of the 
contributions on the suspension or disso- 
lution of the Association. 

CONCLUSIOISrS OF LAW. 

1. The property of the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Valley Forge 
Avas deA'oted to charitable uses and Avas 
held in trust for the jmblic; the Associa- 
tion was a public charitj-. 

2. The fund for distribution cannot be 
distributed among its members, or the 
holders of certificates of stock: but must 
be applied in furtherance of the charity. 

3. The court must supply a Trustee, 
or distribution must be made to a proper 
person or body aa'Iio Avill carrj^ into effect 
the intent of the donors so far as the 
same can be ascertained and carried into 
effect consistent with law or equity. 

4. The Commissioners of Valley Forge 
Park are a tribunal such as can be ap- 
pointed as Trustee, or to whom the fund 
for distribution can be awarded in fur- 
therance of the charity. 

5. In view- of the pending application 
to appoint a Trustee, and under the find- 
ings of fact the net amount for distri- 
bution must be aAA'arded to the Commis- 
sioners of Valley Forge Park, provided 
they are appointed by the court as 
Trustees under said application; and in 
default of such appointment then to such 
person, corporation or body as the court 
may appoint as trustee, otherAA-ise to said 
Commissioners as Trustees in further- 
ance of said charity. 

DISTRIBUTION. 

Balance for distribution as 
shown by the Treasurer's ac- 
count .: $15,566.50 



^33 



Interest on same from April 12, 
1910, at 3 per cent 



Total $ 

Deduct : 

EXPENSE OF AUDIT: 

Advertising .... $17.65 

Prothonotarjr, fil- 
ing, etc., report 100.00 

Stenographer . . . 50.00 

Auditor's fee 

(agreed upon) 500.00 



667.05 



Net balance for distri- 
bution S 



To the Commissioners of 
Valley Forge Park (pro- 
vided they are appointed 
by said Court in pend- 
ing proceedings for that 
purpose, or in default of 
such appointment, for any 
reason, and also in default 
of the appointment of any 
other trustee by said 
Court) in trust to carry 
out the charitable use 
aforesaid, and for no other 
purpose, or to their attor- 
neys, es-GrOvernor Samuel 
W. Pennypacker, Richmond 
L. Jones, Esq., and J. P. 
Hale Jenkins, Esq., said 
net balance .$ 

DISCUSSION. 

It was conceded on all sides, at the ar- 
gument before the Auditor, that the fund 
m question must be distributed, under 
the act of 9th April, 1856, P. L. 293, 
Section 1, among the "corporators" — the 
holders of certificates of stock in propor- 
tion to each one's holdings — unless it 
appear, according to the first proviso 
in So id act, that the property of the 
Centennial and Memorial Association of 
Vsiiey Forge had been "devoted to * 

* * * charitable uses," in Avhich 
event said property shall and cannot 
"b€ diverted from the objects for which 
thev were (it was) given or granted" 
(act of 9th April, 1856), but is held "in 
trust for the public, and cannot, like the 
assets of a trading corporation, be dis- 
tributed upon its dissolution, among the 
members thereof" (Humane Fire Com- 
pany's appeal, 88 Pa. 389) ; aai, rmder 
the act of 9th May, 1889, P.. L., 173, 
no such public trust or "charitable use 
shall fail for want of a trustee * * * 
but it shall be the duty of any Court 
having equity jurisdiction in the proper 
county to supply a trustee and by its 
decrees to carry into effect the intent 
of the donor or testator so far as the 



same can be ascertained and cari'ied into 
effect, consistent with law or equity." 

The first question, therefore, that 
arises is. Was the property of the asso- 
ciation devoted to charitable uses? 

"Charitable uses, in law," are "uses 
such as will sustain a gift or bequest 
as a charity." Century Dictionary. 

A charity, "in law," is defined by the 
same authority as "a gift in trust for 
promoting the welfare of the community 
or of mankind at large, or some indefinite 
part cf it, as an endoAvment for a public 
hosiDital, school, church or library, as 
distinguished from a gift which, being 
for the benefit of particular persons, 
gives them a right to its enjoyment." 
"Good will, benevolence, desire to add 
to the happiness or improvement of our 
fellow-beings," is a charity, says Mitchell, 
J., in Donohugh's appeal, 86 Pa. St. 312. 

"Whatever is given for the love of 
God, or for the love of your neighbor, in 
the Catholic and universal sense — given 
from those motives and to those ends — 
free from the stain or taint of every con- 
sideration that is personal, private or 
selfish," is a gift for charitable uses. 
Vidal V. Girard's Exrs. 
2 How (U. S.) 127; 
Price V. Maxwell, 28 Pa. 23. 

That is the definition of Mr. Binney 
in his celebrated argument delivered in 
the Girard will case. 

Charity is understood to refer to some- 
thing done or given for the benefit of our 
fellows or the public. 

Knight's Estate, 159 Pa. 500. 
Whatever is gratuitously done or given 
in relief of the pubilc good, is a public 
charit/. In every such case where the 
public is the beneficiary, the charity is a 
public charity. 

Episcopal Academy v. Phila. 
150 Pa. (573). 
"A charity in a legal sense may be 
more fully defined as a gift to be ap- 
phed consistently with existing laws for 
the benefit of an indefinite number of 
persons — either by bringing their hearts 
under the influence of education or re- 
ligion, by relieving their bodies from 
disease, suffering or constraint, by as- 
sisting them to establish themselves for 
life, 9r by erecting or maintaining public 
buildings or works, or otherwise lessen- 
ing the burdens of government. It is 
immaterial whether the purpose is call- 
ed charitable in the gift itself if it is 
so described as to show that it is chari- 
table in its nature." 

Gray, J., in Jackson v. Phillips, 
14 Allen (Mass.), 556. 
Fire Ins. Patrol v. Boyd, 
120 Pa. 647. 
That definition "leaves nothing to be 
desired." 



234 



(Perry on Trusts and Trustees, 6th 
E.J., Section 697.) 

A definition or test of many of the 
common classes of charities is also af- 
foided by the statute of 43 Eliz. C. 4, 
known as the Statute of Charitable uses, 
although it was not reported by the 
Judges in their Report of British Stat- 
utes va force in Pennsylvania, neverthe- 
less, it has been held tiiat its principles 
as applied by Chancery in England ob- 
tamed in this State by force of its own 
common law, and that relief would be 
given so far as the power of the Courts 
would e'nable them. 

Witman v Lex, 17 Serg. & R. 88. 

Zimmerman v Anders, 6 W. & S. 218. 

Wright V Linn, 9 Pa. 433; 

Vidal V Girard's Exrs,; 2 How. (U. 
S.) 127. 

A gift to the American Peace Society, 
to be expended in the cause of peace 
('iappa-n vs Deblois, 45 Maine, 122) ; for 
a public park, (Bartlett, Petitioner, 163 
ilass. 509; Meeker v Puyallup, 5 Wash. 
759) ; has been held a charitable use. 

Charitable gifts are favorites of the 
law. 

Tested by the foregoing was there, in 
the case in hand, anything gratuitously 
done or given for the improvement or 
benefit of an indefinite number of per- 
sons, or the advancement or Avelfare of 
the community, or public at large, or 
were any public buildmgs or works erect- 
ed or maintained by the Association, or 
did it otherwise lessen the burdens of 
government ? 

For answer we must look to the object 
of the Association as stated in its Char- 
ter, its som-ces of revenue, mode of do- 
ing business, etc. The object of the 
Association as expressed in the 'notices 
foi incorporation, the decree of the Court, 
a..a the Charter and By-Laws, and the 
reason for bringing it into legal existence 
was, as has been found by the Auditor 
as a matter of fact, purely public and 
patriotic, namely, to erect a fitting me- 
morial or monument to commemorate the 
fiist great event of the oecupatio-n and 
evacuation of the hills, forts and earth- 
works of Valley Forge and the close of 
the first century here by purchasing, iin- 
proving and preserving Washington's 
Headquarters (a monument in itself which 
had withstood the storms of a century.) 
and said lands, and by collecting and pre- 
seiving relics and objects of interest 
ccunected with the Revolutionary War 
and especially Valley Forge, all to be 
maintained forever as a Memorial Park 
ior "historical and humane uses." The 
Association was a corporation of the first 
class, not for profit, for the purpose of 
conducting "a public park." Its revenues 
wore derived from the public by contri- 
b.. lions, donations, the proceeds of pub- 
lic entertainments, and a gift of $5000 



from the State. Its exoenditures were 
confined to purchasing the Headquarters 
and grounds and improving and main- 
taining them. No official salaries were 
paid. No one co'nnected with the Asso- 
ciation received compensation excepting 
the janitor who, however, was paid out 
of the proceeds of the sale of souvenirs 
and admission fees to the Headquarters. 
411 others served gratuitously, even paying 
traveling expenses out of their pockets. 
The pubhc at large had unrestricted ac- 
ccis to the grounds and buildings at all 
times, free of charge except a small ad- 
riiiision fee to enter the Headquarters. 
The business of the Association was con- 
ducted as a general public charity. Thou- 
sands upon thousands of persons from all ■ 
over the land visited yearly the sacred 
spot. They rehearsed the story and les- 
son of Valley Forge, literally stepped in 
thp footsteps of the Father of his Coun- 
try, pressed the very door latch touched 
manv a time by his great hand, and, it 
is fair to infer, went away with rekin- 
(llea patriotism, and better American 
ciLizens, or, if foreigners, with increased 
admiration for free and enlightened gov- 
ernment. 

When, however, the financial burdens 
became too heavj' and the future of the 
Association and Valley Forge itself was 
carefully considered, the government of 
Pennsjdvania, which had, until now. 
been relieved by the Association of the 
burden of purchasing and maintaininsr 
the historic hills of Valley Forge as and 
for a public park and military camp for 
the enjoyment of the people of the 
State, was successfully appealed to, to as- 
sume this patriotic burden and took up 
the Association's identical work and ob- 
ject in order to continue the same, and. 
with the Commonwealth's limitless re- 
sources, carrj' them to fuller and grander 
fruition. 

Without more, the property of the As- 
sociation was clearly devoted to a public 
charitable use. 

But, it is argued, that the Association 
was authorized to issue stock and did 
issue certificates of shares of Capital 
stock, aggregating over $7000; that the 
Camps and individuals represented bv 
Stager as Trustee paid their money for 
shares of stock as an investment without 
interest to get control of the Association, 
whose object appealed to their patriotic 
impulses; that the stockholders were not 
donors, but owners and controllers, and. 
therefore, there was no gift for a public 
charitv, and relv on Com. v. Pauline 
Horned 141 Pa. 542. 

It is true the Charter authorizes the 
issue of capital stock, and the by-laws 
provide for the sale and issue of certifi- 
cates of stock and the transfer of, and 
voting upon, the same; and that 7618 



235 



shares of stock were issued to eutscrib- 
ers. 

It is also true that where stock is is- 
sued by a corporation, the presumption 
is that it is done for the profit of the 
stockholders. 

Savage on Corps., Section 37, 
20 Pa. C. C. Si. 

Is this presumption rebutted? 

The Association was incorporated bv 
the Court in the class of corporations 
"not for profit." As a rule euch cor- 
porations do not require any capital and 
do not issue stock certificates. Intended 
corporations of the first-class whose ap- 
plications provided for the issue of stock 
have been refused incorporation in this 
State, unless they stated in their Char- 
ter that it is intended "not for profit." 
Savage on Corps., Section 37. 

The application for charter did not 
contain the names of subscribers and the 
number of shares subscribed by each, as 
required by law in case of monied cor- 
porations. 

Neither the charter nor the by-laws 
of the Association provide for declaring 
and paying dividends. No dividends 
were paid nor intended to be paid. Most 
of its revenue was derived from proceeds 
of public entertainments, admission fees 
paid by the public and a gift from the 
State. The Certificates of Stock were 
regarded by many holders as honorary 
and merely ornamental — "handsomelv 
printed certificate receipt" — in the words 
of H. J. Stager. Speculators and in- 
vestors were not appealed to to purchase 
stock, but patriotic citizens, patriotic as- 
sociations, schools, libraries and the like, 
everywhere. At the inception of the 
movement to form an association the par 
value per share was fixed at only $1 for 
the express purpose of making contribu- 
tions popular. 

The inference is that the issue of stock 
was provided for not for profit, but as 
a convenient and popular method of 
raising funds among patriotic citizens, 
rich and poor, high and low, children 
and adults, and that the stock certifi- 
cates were mere ornamental and honor- 
ary receipts, and evidence of the con- 
tributor's patriotic aid in helping to carry 
out a noble and patriotic work. Strength 
is lent to this inference because no one 
I of the thousands of shareholders presents 

a claim before the auditor, after due 
public notice of the audit, except Mr. 
Stager (loaded with the responsibility of 
a trust), and Rev. Mr. Burk (holding 
two shares by assignment), both en- 
thusiastically and prominently interested 
in Valley Forge and all that pertains 
to its history and associations, from pure- 
ly patriotic motives untainted with a 
desire for personal profit or greedy gain. 

It is contended also that State Camp 



and some of its subordinate camps con- 
tributed their money as an investment 
without interest for the purpose of ob- 
taining control of the association and 
virtually becoming its owners, and that, 
therefore, no gift was or could have been 
intended. 

True, State President Stager's first of- 
ficial appeal to the P. 0. S. of A. to pay 
the mortgage indebtedness of the asso- 
ciation, assigns, besides "honor for our 
noble order," "equitable and joint" own- 
ership of the Association's property as 
the incentive; but at the same time he 
controverts the idea of making profit by 
averring the property would be self-sup- 
porting by "the revenues from visitors," 
the only source of income. In his sec- 
ond appeal he, however, apparently aban- 
dons the idea of OA^mership of the prem- 
ises. He deprecates the idea of a loan 
or "an investment to give interest," but 
the order would become the holder of 
the FIRST AND ONLY MORTGAGE 
for all future time (a creditor), and 
therefore (false conclusion), "a joint 
owner" with the Association, "not a sim- 
ple stockholder, but in eft'ect the own- 
er." He continues: "After the mort- 
gage is purchased its value can, if de- 
sired, be turned into the Association for 
so many shares of stock ***** 
and the order become entitled to all its 
franchises." In the same letter he also 
calls for "funds wherewith to cancel the 
mortgage." This may have made the 
object of the contributors' donation or 
purchase of stock in response to this ap- 
peal somewhat confusing; but in his 
THIRD appeal the intention is set forth 
more clearlj- and definitely, namely, to 
pay the mortgage indebtedness, receive a 
mortgage for the full amount and 3000 
shares of stock, which would give the 
order a full majority vote in the Asso- 
ciation s future direction and care, and 
the work would forever associate the 
order with Washington's Headquarters 
and give it "honor as enduring as the 
republic," and each contributing camp 
or individual sending over 5>1 would re- 
ceive "a handsomely printed certificate 
receipt in reply." 

What was the intention of the contrib- 
utors represented by Mr. Stager? To 
the first and second appeal in which the 
idea of joint ownership was held one- 
third of the 146 camps in the State 
responded with about $2200 — About 
three-fourths of the required amount to 
pay the mortgage. The remaining fourth 
was contributed after promulgating the 
third appeal wherein was held out the 
holding of the mortgage and 3000 shares 
of stock, a full majority vote in the As- 
sociation's future direction and care. 
There is no evidence to show what camps 
or individuals were influenced by one mo- 
tive or the other. The presumption is 
their motive was, as befitted them, pure- 



236 



ly patriotic, "free from the stain or 
taint of every consideration that is per- 
sonal, private or selfish." 

Rev. Mr. Burk's well-known patriotism 
and devotion to Valley Forge, success- 
fully rebut the presumption that he pur- 
chased his two shares for speculation, for 
profit. The idea is abhorrent. 

The mortgage was paid by the P. 0. 
S. of A. and satisfied of record, and the 
Order, through its Board of Trustees, ob- 
tained control of the Association's Board 
of Directors. Such control, it is argued, 
is inconsistent with the idea of a gift, 
and the Master's report in Pauline Home, 
141 Pa., page 542, is cited as authority. 

The Master there, it is true, suggests 
that "a, simple unconditional gift of 
money or other property to a charitable 
corporation divests the donor of any fur- 
ther title to, interest in, or right to con- 
trol the thing given, as absolutely as 
does the simple gift of the same property 
to an individual." But in the same breath 
he also says: "The law permits men to 
affix anj^ condition to the transfer of 
property that is not expressly prohibited 
by Statute or by public policy, and it 
is open to any contributor to a charit- 
able corporation to provide, in the instru- 
ment of donation, for a return to him 
of the property contributed, in the event 
of the suspension or dissolution of the 
corporation. If he neglects to make such 
provision, his feelings must suffer through 
his o^vn omission." 

Accepting this as sound doctrine, how 
does it affect the case in hand? 

As has just been shown above, the sole 
desire of the P. 0. S. of A. in paying 
ofl' the mortgage indebtedness was to ob- 
tain control of the Board of Directors for 
the future care of the Association's prop- 
erty for patriotic (charitable) reasons, not 
for profit, not with a view of becoming 
owners, or "joint "owners. The latter 
idea was abandoned, as is shown by Mr. 
Stager's third official appeal and the sat- 
isfaction of the mortgage. They accept- 
ed shares of stock, however. But why? 
To obtain dividends? To get back the 
sums contributed on dissolution, or by 
sale and transfer of their shares of 
stock? Emphatically, no! Simply to 
get control and share in the "honor as 
enduring as the Republic" in carrying 
out the object of the Association — oth- 
erwise, why appeal to the Camps and 
members of the Order in the patriotic 
breathings of President Stager? Why 
was not provision made for the return 
of the money? The public charitable ob- 
ject of the Association was known to the 
contributors. So was its poverty, its 
inability to pay dividends, its meagre 
sources of revenue. Why speak of a 
Certificate of Stock as "a handsomely 
printed certificate receipt," "which will 
look well in frame and be a fitting 



adornment for the wall of a Camp 
Room," if President Stager or his cestuis 
que trustent regarded these certificates 
as things of value and not of ornament? 
Who ever heard of certificates of shares 
of stock of such dividend-paying concerns 
as the Bell Telephone Company or the 
United States Steel Corporation being 
framed to adorn a wall? They usually 
adorn nothing but the dark inside of a 
strong bos deposited in a fire-proof and 
burglar-proof vault of a reliable bank or 
trust company. 

It is clear, therefore, that the man- 
agement and control of the Association 
was sought by the P. 0. S. of A. not 
with a view of becoming owners of the 
property, or shareholders for profit, or 
for the return of their contributions, or 
to rob their contributions of an essential 
to a gift. Their motive was higher, 
nobler, befitting their great, patriotic Or- 
der. They sought honor, performance of 
a patriotic duty, visitorial power and 
control, prevention of perversion of their 
contributions. Owners they could not 
become; controllers they might be. The 
owners were the public. And for au- 
thority reference is made to the same 
Master's report on page 542: "They (the 
members, contributors or managers of a 
charitable corporation upon dissolution) 
do not own the property. They manage 
and control it to be sure, but the own- 
ership belongs to the indefinite persons 
constituting from time to time the class 
for the benefit of which the particular 
Corporation exists and conducts its op- 
erations." 

However, assuming that the motive of 
the contributors of the P. O. S. of A. 
was for profit, for selfish gain, for con- 
trol; nevertheless it avails nothing. 

The character of the object sought to 
be attained — the purpose to which the 
gift is to be applied — not the motive of 
the donor — is the true test of a legal, 
public charity. 

Fire Ins. Patrol v. Boyd, 120 Pa. 624 
(1S88). Paxson, J. 

Smith's Estate, 181 Pa. 109 (1897). 

The first of the two cited cases criti- 
cises, as to the element of motive, the 
celebrated definition of charity given by 
Mr. Binney in his argument in the Girard 
will case and quoted above. The point, 
however, had been previously made in 
Miller V. Porter, 53 Pa. 292 (1866). 
Woodward, C. J. 

"It is immaterial from what source the. 
funds that constitute the trust are de- 
rived, whether from the bounty of indi- 
viduals, the crown, the State, or Legisla- 
ture. 

"If a trust is contemplated and en- 
dowed with funds from any source, for a 
general public purpose, it will be regu- 
lated and controlled by a Court of Equity, 
upon proceedings instituted before it." 



237 



Perry on Trusts and Trustees, Section 

707; Thomas v Ellmaker, 1 Pars. Eq. 

Ca. 98. 

In this case, the purpose — the object 
sought to be attained — ^with the bounty 
derived from the various sources herein- 
before mentioned, was clearly a general 
public purpose — a public memorial to the 
immortal Washington. 

This is not a case where an Association 
was formed for a general public purpose 
and issued stock for the purpose of 
profit. Its incorporators and their asso- 
ciates were pure patriots, not mercenary 
memoralists. 

From the foregoing the inevitable con- 
clusion is that the Association in ques- 
tion was not a trading company for 
profit, but its property was devoted and 
was intended to be devoted, to a public 
charitable use. 

This being so, the fund for distribu- 
tion can not be legally distributed among 
the corporators, or holders- of certificates 
of stock, but must, under the doctrine of 
cy press and the Act of 1889, be applied, 
as near as possible, to the object of the 
trust, and, if there is no trustee, the 
court under its equity jurisdiction must 
"supply a trustee." 

(2) In this ease there is no ti'ustee. 
The Association has become functus of- 
ficio. There is an application pending 
in the court, which appointed the Audi- 
tor, for the appointment of the Park 
Commissioners of Valley Forge, ex officio, 
as trustees, because it is assumed they 
are the logical successors to this trust, 
inasmuch as they are charged with the 
care of the property to which the trust 
fund was donated and devoted. Before 
the Auditor, the Commissioners claim 
distribution of the fund to them, because 
they can more nearly carry out the pur- 
pose of the trust than the other claim- 
ant. The Auditor cannot appoint a trus- 
tee. He can only award the fund; but 
in so doing he might embarrass the 
court. However, in the view taken by 
the Auditor (under the law and the evi- 
dence, and not for the sake of expedi- 
ency), there need not be any conflict 
between the Court and its Auditor. 

A discussion of the question which of 
the two claimants here would more nearly 
cari'y out the purpose of the trust, is 
deemed useless. A mere perusal of the 
objects of the Park Commission and of 
the Valley Forge Chapter of the Daugh- 
ters of the Revolution, and especially of 
the specific intent on the part of the 
latter, is sufficient to decide the ques- 
tion in favor of the former. The fact 
that Mrs. Anna Morris Holstein was the 
organizer and first Regent of the As- 
sociation, and also of said Chapter, is not 
a legal reason why this fund should be 
transferred from the Association to the 
Chapter. While the application of this 



fund "to erect at Valley Forge a monu- 
ment in honor of Washington and the 
Continental Army" would be a most laud- 
able and patriotic object, nevertheless, it 
would not be carrying into effect the pur- 
pose of the Association, namely, to pur- 
chase, improve and preserve Washing- 
ton's Headquarters and lands at Valley 
Forge, and maintain them as a Memorial 
Park. The only monument the fund can 
be lawfully applied to is not one in con- 
templation, but Washington's Headquar- 
ters, in itself regarded by the Association 
as a fitting anu durable monument to the 
Great Revolutionary Commander. The 
Chapter has no thought of maintaining 
a Park. On the other hand, the Park 
Commissioners are charged by law to do 
precisely what the Association did and 
was intended to do, and more besides. 

The Commissioners will have no right 
to use the fund generally for its pur- 
poses; but only for one of its purposes, 
namely, to improve and preserve Wash- 
ington's Headquarters and the adjacent 
land as a public Memorial Park, unless, 
however, we also regard as one of the 
objects of the Association the additional 
purpose set forth in its by-laws — the col- 
lection and preservation of Revolutionary 
and Valley Forge relics and objects of in- 
terest. 

It is contended, however, that the Park 
Commissioners have no right to claim the 
fund as the legal successors of the Asso- 
ciation. The Auditor does not under- 
stand that the Commissioners so claim 
before him. That position they may have 
assumed in the pending bill in equity for 
appointment as Trustee, but before the 
Auditor they simply stand forth as a 
claimant to the fund, because created to 
carry out the identical object of the de- 
funct Association. 

It is a permanent body, created by law, 
appointed by the Governor, duly organ- 
ized, empowered to accept, on behalf of 
the State, gifts of money or land for pub- 
lic park purposes, preserve and maintain 
the same forever, maintain police regula- 
tions, etc. The organization of the Asso- 
ciation was not more efficient; its scope 
and powers were less comprehensive. The 
Commissioners are better equipped _ to 
carry out the objects of the Association 
than was the Association itself. Why, 
then, can it not be appointed as Trustee? 
Although a creature of the State, the fund 
in their hands as Trustees would not be- 
long to the State, as gifts would, but 
would be held in trust. As trust funds 
the court would follow them so long as 
hands could be laid upon them, or upon 
the property into which they went. If 
the trust were diverted by the Commis- 
sioners from its true object, the court 
could exercise its restraining powers. 

It has been held that a Municipal Cor- 
poration (Phila. V. Elliott, 3 Rawle 
170); a County (Lawrence Co. v. Leon- 



238 



ard, 83 Pa. 206); the Mayor and Coun- 
cils of Phila. (Cresson's Appeal, 30 Pa. 
437) ; a Commission created by Will to 
establish and maintain a public park, and 
to comprise the Mayor of the City of 
Lancaster, the President of Select Coun- 
cil, the President of Common Council, 
and testator's Executors and their suc- 
cessors, to be called "Tlie Long Park 
Commission," (Long's Estate, 204 Pa. 
60) ; an Association — iFairmount Park 
Art Association (Smith's Estate, 181 Pa. 
109), may be appointed or act as trustee 
for public purposes germane to its ob- 
.iect. The Commissioners of Fairmount 
Park, Philadelphia, created and empovy- 
ered by Act of Assembly to maintain 
Fairmount Park, have also been deemed 
to be capable to act as trustee over trust 
funds. (See Act of 14th April, 1868. 
P. L. 1087, section 17; Act 15th May. 
1871, section 5, P. L. 873; Cresson's Ap- 
peal, 30 Pa. 437). 

The Commissioners of Valley Forge 
Park constitute a body no less perma- 
nent, as well organized, as flexible and 
enjoying as plenary powers as any of the 
bodies above mentioned, and can, there- 
fore, be legally invested with the trust 
in question, and their application of the 
fund to the purposes intended is in di- 
rect line with their official duties, in fact 
the Commission was created to carrv 
out the very purpose of the dissolved 
Corporation only on a larger scale. 

That these Commissioners are the 
creature of the State is no disqualifica- 
tion. The fund in their hands would not 
become the property of the State; it 
would not be a GIFT OF MONEY which 
the Commissioners are authorized by the 
Act of 3d July, 1895, P. L. 508, section 
2, "to accept on behalf of the State." 
The Commissioners are not prohibited 
by statute from acting as such trustees. 
Their duties as trustees would be identi- 
cal with their duties, pro tanto, as 
Commissioners. No other body of men 
exists which can so nearly — nay, pre- 
cisely — carry out the very object for 
which the defunct Corporation was 
created and existed. 

Since the foregoing was written the 
State Legislature at its present session, 
passed an Act which was duly approved 
the 30th March, 1911, and is numbered 
32, providing, in section 1, as follows: 

"That the Commissioners of Valley 
Forge Park be and they are hereby au- 
thorized and empowered to accept in 
trust any fund heretofore or hereafter 
created for the benefit or improvement of 
Valley Forge Park, or any part thereof, 
by deed, bequest, devise, grant, DECEEE 
OR OTHER^VTSE." 

ThisAct is a Supplement to an Act en- 
titled "An Act providing for the acr 
quisition by the State of certain ground 



at \ alley Forge for a public park, and 
making an appropriation therefor," ap- 
proved the 30th day of May, A. T>. 
1893. 

The power of the Legislature to clothe 
its Commissioners of Valley Forge Park 
with authority to accept and administer 
trust funds and act as trustees cannot, 
in the opinion of the Auditor, be suc- 
cessfully questioned. All doubt whether 
said Commissioners can or can not lie 
lavrfully appointed in the case in hand 
as trustees, or whether the amount) for 
distribution can or can not be lawfully 
awarded to them under the doctrines of 
Cy pres and the Act of 9th of May, 
1889, P. L. 173, is removed by this new 
legislation. Similar power was conferred 
by the Act of 14th of April, 1868, sec- 
tion 17, P. L. 1087, upon the Commis- 
sioners of Fairmount Park, Philad>3lphia. 

Discussion of other findings of fact or 
conclusions of law, is deemed unneces- 
sary. 

The Auditor, however, desires to add 
that too much praise cannot be bestowed 
on the noble men and women who or- 
ganized the Centennial and Meniorial 
Association and devoted time, money and 
effort to carry out its patriotic, public 
purpose; and especially to the Patviotic 
Order Sons of America, and of them 
particularly to H. J. Stager, for their 
unselfish and untiring efforts to oblit- 
erate the Association's indebtedness, and 
make possible the consummation of the 
Association's patriotic object. It is, 
therefore, deemed not altogether inap- 
propriate to conclude this discussion with 
the beautiful tribute paid to these iia- 
triotic men and women by Richmond L. 
Jones, Esq., of counsel for the P:irk 
Commissioners, in his Supplemental Brief 
handed to the Auditor. It is as fol- 
lows : 

"The encampment of the Continental 
Army at Valley Forge, was an -endur- 
ance test of military inactivity under 
the most distressing conditions, and prov- 
ed the unconquerable spirit of the 
cause for which the Colonies were con- 
tending. 

"The tide of the British invasion had 
culminated in the occupation of Phila- 
delphia, and the retreat in the following 
year, before an army of starving but 
resolute soldiers, was the beginning of 
the end. 

"The victory won by suffering, Tvas 
the greatest of the Avar in its moral 
effect, and sanctified the field ^v)l■;'re 
the sacrifice was made; but when VVasli- 
ington marched away to follow the re- 
treating enemy, the glory of V^alley 
Forge seemed to have departed with 
him, and for a hundred years no effort 
was made to preserve for posterity th'i 
landmarks and relies of this historic field. 
It was only a tradition, excepting the 
dates and some incidents recorded in bis- 



239 



tory. A few suggestions were made, 
but they met with no response until 
the awakening of the Centennial Exposi- 
tion in Philadelphia, the American ren- 
aissance that rekindled the fires of p.i- 
triotism and stirred the American blood 
with a realization of the greatness of 
our country and of the men who created 
it. 

"Under this inspiration, the first to 
come to the rescue were the ])atriotic 
men and women who organized the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association of Val- 
ley Forge, and declaring their purpose 
to be 'to purchase, improve and preserve 
the lands and improvements thereon, oc- 
cupied by General George Washington, 
at Valley Forge, and maintain them as a 
memorial park for all time to come,' 
petitioned the court to seal that purpose 
with immortal life in the form of' a per- 
petual corporation. 

"It was a noble sentiment and was fol- 
lowed by many noble deeds of charity; 
but the accomplishment of the work was 
not an easy task, for easy tasks never 
excite the admiration, and are rarely 
noble in the estimation of mankind. A 
noble deed involves a sacrifice, and profit 
taking is not within that class. 

"A few thousand dollars were raised 
by small subscriptions, and applied to the 
purchase of Washington's Headquarters. 
The balance of the purchase price was 
provided by a mortgage, the interest up- 
on which could not be paid; foreclosure 
was threatened by an unsentimental 
creditor and love's labor seemed nearly 
lost. 

"Tn this extremity, Mr. H. J. Stager 
appealed to the Patriotic Order Sons 
of America, of which he was then the 
president, to lend a hand in furtherance 
of this patriotic purpose; and in his cir- 



cular letters to the several camps, made 
it very clear, by positive statement, that 
it was not an investment nor a loan that 
he was urging,, but contributions of mon- 
ey to preserve the sacred memories of 
Valley Forge, the return for which would 
be the honor of the deed, acknowledged 
by a certificate to be hung upon ihe walls 
of their camps, not vaingloriously, but as 
an example and illustration of the lofty 
objects of their order as proclaimed in 
its title. 

"Mr. Stager also reluctantly suggested 
in the alternative that they might pur- 
chase and hold the mortgage; but the 
Patriotic Order declined the merchand- 
izing, prWudly contributed the money 
to The Centennial and Memorial Asso- 
ciation, to pay the mortgage and strike 
off tha burden upon the premises glori- 
fied as the home and headquarters of 
Washington, during the most memorable 
period in the history of the Revolution. 

"The lustre of this proud achievement 
should not be dimmed by even a sug- 
gestion that the donors would undo it; 
and no such suggestion has come from 
any of them. Look to the appearances, 
and you will find no claim from any 
one of the donors. Mr. Stager believes 
the fund shonild be appropriated to the 
uses for which it was created; but as 
he collected the funds f>rom the camps 
and holds many of the certificates in 
trust, he cannot personally assent toany 
disposition of the fund, and is entitled 
to have it distributed according to law. 
His objection is punctilious and tech- 
nical and ought to be understood, so that 
his attitude may not in the least impair 
the credit and honor that is justly due 
to him for the good work he accomplish- 
ed." 



SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT 



To the Honorable, the Judges Afore- 
said: 

The Auditor further respectfully re- 
ports : 

1. That on the 23d day of May, A. D. 
1911, he notified the parties in interest, 
or their counsel, that he would file his 
report in open Court on Monday, June 
5th, A. D. 1911, at 10 o'clock A. M., 
and that until said time access could be 
had to the report at the office of the 
Auditor, and exceptions might be filed 
thereto if it were deemed proper to do 
so, as per copy of notice and acceptance 
of service hereto attached; 

2. That on the 31st day of May, A. 
D. 1911, exceptions to the report were 
filed by ex-Judge Koch in behalf of H. 
J. Stager and H. J. Stager, Ttustee, a 
copy of the exceptions being hereto an- 
nexed: 

3. That on the 2d day of June, A. 
D. 1911, additional exceptions to the 
report of the Auditor were filed by 
James H. Wolfe, Esq., of counsel for 
H. J. Stager and H. J. Stager, Trustee; 

4. Before formal exceptions, had been 
filed the Auditor's attention was call- 
ed by ex-Judge Koch, of counsel for Mr. 
Stager, to an inadvertent error in the 
Auditor's Report, namely, — that the bal- 
ance in the Treasurer's hands was draw- 
ing interest at the rate of five per cent- 
um per annum, instead of three per cent- 
um per annum, and thereupon the Audi- 
tor m.ade the correction in his Eeport; 

5. After exceptions were filed the 
Auditor re-examined the subject, but 
does not desire to amend his Report ex- 
ceptmg to say, in view of Exception 4, 
that a copy of the certificate issued to 
H. J. Stager, in trust for P. O. S. of 
A., for 3600 shares of stock in the Cen- 
tennial and IMemorial Association of Val- 
ley Forge, is attached to the Auditor's 
Report, being "Exhibit C." In the Audi- 
tor's Report, on page 22, is set down 
the general form of the certificates which 
were issued by the Association, leaving 
the name to whom the same is issued, in 
blank. The Auditor did not intend, when 
he .said "that is the form of the Certifi- 
cate issued to H. J. Stager in trust for 
P. 0. S. of A., for 3(500 shares," that 
the certificate held by Mr. Stager in 
trust did not contain his name as trus- 



tee, or the number of shares for which it 
was issued, but meant that the certifi- 
cate issued to H. J. Stager in trust, &c., 
for 3600 shares, followed the general 
form set forth in the Auditor's Report; 

6. As to the 20th Exception, the Audi- 
tor begs to say that he did not find 
"that the Park Commissioners of Val- 
ley Forge are the logical successors of 
the Centennial and Memorial Association 
of VaJley Forge," and such was not the 
contention before the Auditor. See Au- 
ditor's Report, page 60; 

7. As to the 21st Exception, the Audi- 
tor begs to say that it is true that "No- 
Avhere in the evidence before the Auditor, 
nor in any statement made in behalf of 
saicl Commissioners in the prosecution of 
their c'aim, have they indicated that the 
fund, if awarded to them, would be kept 
separate and apart from their other funds, 
for any such purpose," namely, — "To in> 
prove and preserve Washington's Head- 
quarters," &c., but the declaration made 
by the Auditor, namely, — "Said Commis- 
sioners will have no right to use the 
fund generally for its purposes, but only 
for one of its purposes, namely, to im- 
prove and nreserve W^ashington's Head- 
quarters," &c., follows as a matter of 
law under the Act of 1855 and the doc- 
trine of Cypres; 

8. As to the 22d Exception, the Audi- 
tor begs to say that the Auditor, as 
shewn by Iris Report, arrived at the con- 
clusion that the Park Commission ■ was 
a proper tribunal to act as trustee, be- 
fore the Act of 30th March, 1911, was 
passed. This Act was regarded by the 
Auditor as confirmatory of his conclusion 
previously arrived at; 

9. As to the 23d Exception, the Audi- 
tor begs to say that the "beautiful soph- 
istry" therein referred io was added 
at the end of the Auditor's discussion 
as a tribute to the patriotism of the 
persons therein referred to, as worthy of 
preservation. The Auditor cannot help 
but regard all the persons who have 
been connected with the Centennial and 
Memorial Association of Vallev Forge, 
and tliose Avho came to its aid and rescue, 
as patriots, and not profit-seekers, and, as 
patriots, too much praise cannot be be- 
stowed upon them. 

Respectfully submitted. 



240 



241 



in the Court of Common J^leas of Mont- 
gomery County, Pennsylvania. 
Of June Term, A. D. 1910, No. 32. 

In re Audit of the Account of the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Association of 
Valley Forge on Petition for Dissolu- 
tion. 

EXCEPTIONS TO THE REPORT OJb 
W. F. DANNEHOWER, AUDITOR. 

H. J. Stager and H. J. Stager, Trustee, 
et al.^ by James H. Wolfe and R. H. 
Koch, Iheir attorneys, except to the find- 
ings of fact and conclusions of law in 
the report of the Auditor, as follows: 
1st — The Auditor erred in saying: 

The Treasurer's account shows that 
the balance, $15,566.50, is on deposit 
in the Fir.st National Bank of Hazle- 
ton. Pa., drawing interest at the rate 
of 5 ner centum per annum, from 
]2th April, 1910. 

2nd— The Auditor should have found 
as a fact that the balance of $15,566.50 
is on deijosit drawing interest at the 
rate of 3 per centum per annum. 
3rd — The Auditor erred in finding that 
"The purpose for Avhicli The Centen- 
nial and Memorial Association of Val- 
ley Forge was formed v/as in its na- 
ture public and patiiotic." 
4th— Tlie Auditor erred in not fully 
setting down in his report as a matter 
of fact the exact and complete language 
of and all that appertains to the form 
of the certificate for 3600 shares of stock 
held by H. J. Stager as Trustee. 

5th.— The Auditor erred in the second 
of his "Recapitulations cf Controlling 
Facts," by saying, inter alia: 

''The Association was not conducted 
for profit, but purely to accomplish 
a noble and patriotic public purpose, 
for the improvement or benefit of an 
indefinite number of persons and the 
advancement or welfare of the com- 
munit-' and public at large, and the 
maintenance of a public building pur- 
chased by the Association as a pub- 
lic memorial to George Washington 
and liis immortal army of Revolution- 
ary patriots in relief of the State or 
National Government, free from the 
sftain or taint of every consideration 
that is personal, private or selfish." 
6th— The Auditor erred in the Third 
of his "Recapitulations of_ Controlling 
Facts," by saying, inter alia: 

"The order, its camps and members, 
and especially its efficient State Pres- 
ident, H. J. Stager, were actuated not 
by mercenary, but by purely patri- 
otic motives. Their contributions were 
gifts, not a loan or an investment." 
7th— The Auditor erred in his "Reca- 
pitulation of Controlling Facts," as fol- 
loAvs: 



8. "The Centennial and Memorial 
Association of Valley Forge was a 
patriotic association not for profit. 
To popularize its purpose it started 
\vith dollar contributions and issued 
therefor ornamental certificates of 
stock." 

8th— The Auditor erred in the 9th of 
his "Recapitulations of Controlling 
Facts," by saying, inter alia, as follows: 
"Control of the Centennial and Me- 
morial Association was obtained by 
the Patriotic Order of Sons of Ameri- 
ca. Its motive was not ownership or 
profit, or the return of their contribu- 
tions, or sale of the sharesi; but per- 
formance of a befitting patriotic duty, 
and investiture Avith visitorial power. 
No provision was made for repayment 
of the contributions on the suspension 
or dissolution of the Association." 
9th — The Auditor erred in the 1st Con- 
clusion of Law, as follows: 

1. The property of the Centennial 
and Memorial Association of Valley 
Forge was devoted to charitable 
uses and Avas held in trust for the 
public; the Association Avas a public 
charity." 

10th— The Auditor erred in the 2nd 
Conemsion of LaAv, as follows: 

2. The fund for distribution cannot 
be distributed among it membersi. 
or the holders of Certificates of 
Stock; but must be applied in further- 
ance of the charity." 

lltli— The Auditor erred in the 3d 
Conclusion of LaAv, as folloAvs: 

3. The Court must supply a Trus- 
tee, or distribution must be made to 
a proper person or body Avho will car- 
ry into effect the intent of the donors 
so far as the same *can be ascertain- 
ed and carried into effect consistent 
with law or equity." 

12 — The Auditor erred in the 4th Con- 
clusion of Law, as follows: 

4. The Commissioners of Valley 
Forge Park are a tribunal such as can 
be appointed as Trustee, or to whom 
the fund for distribution can be 
aAvarded in furtherance of the char- 
ity." 

loth— The Auditor erred in the 5th 
Conclusion of LaAV, as folloAvs: 

5. In view of the pending appli- 
cation of the Valley Forge Park Com- 
mission for the appointment as Trus- 
tee and under the findings of fact 
the net amount for distribution must 
be awarded to the Commissioners of 
Valley Forge Park provided they are 
appointed by the Court as Trustees 
under said application; and in de- 
fault of such appointment then to 
such person, corporation or body, as 
the Court may appoint as trustee; 



242 



otherwise, to said Commissioners! as 

Trustees in furtherance of said char- 

ity" 

14th — The Auditor erred in recom- 
mending distribution of the balance for 
distribution less expenses of the audit 
"to the Commissioners of Valley Forge 
Park in trust to carry out the charitable 
use_^aforesaid, and for no other purpose." 

loth — The Auditor should recommend 
and report distribution of the balance 
on hand among the stockholders. 
JAMES H. WOLFE. 
R. H. KOCH, 
Attys. for H. J. Stager, et al. 



In the Court of Common Pleas of Mont- 
gomery County, Pennsyhania. 
Of June Term, 1910, No. 32. 
la re; Audit of the Account of the Cen- 
tennial and Memorial Assn. of Valley 
Forge sur Petition for Dissolution. 
ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS to Audi- 
tor's Report filed in behalf of H. J. 
Stager et al. by their attornej^s as 
fellows: 

If) — The learned Auditor erred in de- 
fining the position of Henry J. Stager, in 
this litigation, as one "standing in the 
dual capacity of a true patriot and a 
dutiful trustee he lays strenuous claim 
to this fund * * * invoking the law 
to point out to him his legal duty in 
the face of conflicting: interests." — See 
Report, pp. 32-33. 

17 — The learned Auditor erred in find- 
ing "that the issue of stock was provid- 
ed for, not for profit, but as a conveni- 
ent and popular method of raising funds 
among patriotic citizens * * * and 
that the stock certificates were mere or- 
namental and honorary receipts and e^n- 
dence of the contributor's patriotic aid in 
helping to cai-ry out a noble and patriot- 
ic work." 

18th — The learned Auditor erred in 
finding "that the management and con- 
trol of the Association was sought b-w 



the P. 0. S. of A. not with a view of 
becoming oAvners of the property or 
shareholders for profit, or for the return 
of their contributions or to rob their 
contributions of an essential to a gift." 

19th— The learned Auditor erred in 
concluding "that the Association in ques- 
tion was not a trading company for prof- 
it, but its property was devoted to a 
public charitable use. This being so, 
the fund for distribution cannot be legal- 
ly distributed among the corporators, or 
holders of certificates of stock, &c." 

20th — The learned Auditor erred in 
finding that the Park Commissioners 
of Valley Forge are the logical successors 
of the Centennial and Memorial Assn. 
of Valley Forge. 

2llst — The learned Auditor erred in de- 
clarir'^ that the said "Commissioners will 
have no right to use the fund generally 
for its purposes, but only for one of its 
purposes namely to improve and pre- 
serve Washington's Headquarters, &c." 
Nowhere in the evidence before the Audi- 
tor, nor in any statement made in be- 
half of said Commissioners in the prose- 
cution of their claim, have thev indicat- 
ed that the fund, if awarded to them 
would be kept separate and apart from 
their other funds, for any such purpose. 

22nd — The learned Auditor erred in 
taking into consideration, in his delibera- 
tions, the Act of March 30, 1911— Said 
Act was passed long after these proceed- 
ings were commenced in Court and 
months after the audit before him was 
closed. It was passed without notice to 
or the knowledge of the present except- 
ants and it is respectfully submitted 
that its operations are not ex post facto. 

23(i— The learned Anddtor erred in 
adopting in the conclusion of his report 
the beautiful sophistry of one of the 
eminent and learned coiinsel for the Park 
Commissioners, as defining the position 
of the exceptants as to this fund. 
JAS. H. WOLFE, 
R. H. KOCH, 
Attvs. for H. J. Stager, et al. 



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